68 Mr. Bean Moments for Rowan Atkinson’s 68th Birthday

Every time Rowan Atkinson appears in a movie, TV show, interview, etc., he maximizes that comedic opportunity. Even if it’s playing Steven Wright's deranged psychiatrist. And that commitment to the bit, as well as his mastery of physical comedy and use of expressions, allows audiences to go back and watch his performances over and over again without them ever getting old, because there’s always something new to find.

The ultimate case in point is his most famous character: Mr. Bean. Instantly recognizable in the brown tweed suit and red tie, Mr. Bean has bumbled (and mumbled) his way to being beloved by audiences worldwide since the show debuted back in 1990. And even if Atkinson doesn't love playing him so much anymore, he’s just as popular today. That’s some amazing staying power for a character on a show that only had 15 episodes.

So, to properly honor Rowan Sebastian Atkinson, Commander of the British Empire, on this, his 68th birthday, we’d like to share our favorite Mr. Bean moments and sketches over the years.

68 At the Hospital

67 New Year’s Eve Party

66 Painting His House

65 The Hairdresser

64 Meme-Worthy Moment #1

The Mr. Bean cheating meme came from the television show’s very first sketch.

63 Meeting the Queen

62 At the Restaurant

61 The Church

60 Go Golfing

59 Laundry Bully

58 The Goldfish

57 At the Dentist

56 At the Cinema

55 Making a Sandwich

54 At the Swimming Pool

53 Commitment to the Bit

Atkinson has stated that the five-second shot of Bean on his bicycle overtaking the other cyclists in this scene was one of the most physically demanding of all of his Mr. Bean gags, because he had to pedal so hard before entering the frame and try to act like he wasn’t completely out of breath.