In 1972, 17-year-old Rowan Atkinson was studying electrical engineering at Newcastle University—years before he became famous as Mr. Bean. He went on to earn a master’s degree in the same field at The Queen’s College, Oxford. While at Oxford, he got involved in comedy and theater, where he discovered his talent for performing. His one-of-a-kind humor and timing helped launch a successful career in TV and film, making him one of Britain’s most iconic comedians.