Man Vs Baby has officially landed on Netflix and is already topping the streamer’s most-watched list.
Hayley Anderson TV Reporter
08:00, 13 Dec 2025
Rowan Atkinson stands as a British icon, so it’s perfectly understandable why TV fanatics are keen to discover everything about the 70-year-old star.
Man Vs Baby premiered on Thursday, December 11, via Netflix, presenting a four-episode comedy centring on Trevor Bingley (portrayed by Rowan Atkinson) as he unexpectedly finds himself caring for an abandoned infant across London.
Whilst the sitcom has only recently arrived on the streaming platform, it has already secured Netflix’s top viewing position, demonstrating that audiences remain captivated by the Mr Bean icon.
As fans continue their weekend binge of Man Vs Baby, here’s everything worth knowing about the celebrated Rowan Atkinson.
Unexpected first career
Though audiences primarily recognise Atkinson for his comedic work, pursuing acting wasn’t originally part of his plans.
He initially pursued electrical engineering whilst studying at Newcastle University and had commenced doctoral studies at Oxford University when he uncovered his theatrical calling.
Actor Rowan Atkinson stars in Man Vs Baby which is now on Netflix.(Image: NETFLIX)READ MORE: Netflix drops ‘intense’ trailer for ‘one of the best suspense books’READ MORE: Stranger Things’ Eddie Munson wouldn’t be the same even if he was in season 5
During his Oxford years, he encountered the creators of Four Weddings And A Funeral, in which Atkinson later appeared briefly, whilst also co-creating the beloved Blackadder series.
Stutter
The Man Vs Baby lead has contended with a speech impediment throughout much of his existence, though he’s reportedly discovered that his condition lessens considerably during performances.
Atkinson generally avoids public attention regardless, but his reluctance to participate in interviews also stems from his stuttering condition.
He revealed to Time magazine: “It comes and goes. It depends on my nerves, but it can be a problem.
“I find that when I play a character other than myself, the stammering disappears. That may have been some of my inspiration for pursuing the career that I did.”
Mr Bean
Beyond his memorable performances in the iconic Blackadder series, Atkinson’s formative years were dominated by the wordlessly chaotic persona of Mr Bean.
It’s understood that Mr Bean draws from Atkinson’s experiences as a nine year old, when he faced playground torment from classmates who mocked his appearance, branding him with cruel monikers such as Doople and Greenman due to his supposed alien-like features.
Speaking to The Independent, he revealed: “There’s a lot of Mr Bean in me. He’s socially inept, selfish and has no manners – yet he can be sweet, innocent and well-meaning.”
Actor Rowan Atkinson met his now-girlfriend Louise Ford while performing in West End play Quartermaine’s Terms.(Image: GETTY)Personal life
Atkinson’s first marriage was to makeup artist Sunetra Sastry, whom he encountered during the 1980s whilst filming Blackadder’s second series.
Though Sastry was actually working as Stephen Fry’s makeup artist, it wasn’t long before romance blossomed between her and Atkinson, culminating in their 1990 wedding.
Their union lasted 24 years, producing children Benjamin and Lily, before concluding with divorce proceedings in November 2015.
During the separation, the former couple were midway through building an £11 million residence in Oxfordshire.
The actor’s path crossed with current partner Louise Ford in 2013 during rehearsals for the West End production Quartermaine’s Terms – though Ford was romantically involved with comedian James Acaster at the time.
Ford, approximately 30 years Atkinson’s junior, boasts credits including Horrible Histories, The Windsors and Crashing. They became parents to their sole daughter, Isla, in December 2017 and have since maintained her privacy from public scrutiny.
Man Vs Baby can be streamed on Netflix.