Legendary comic actor, Rowan Atkinson, who is best known in this clime as ‘Mr Bean’, has lamented the manner in which he is viewed by his colleagues in the film industry.
Atkinson, one of the most popular comic acts to come out of Britain, said his peers view him as “unserious” for his mastery of the comic roles he has had to perform.
The 61-year-old, who recently parted ways with his long-time wife on grounds including ‘unreasonable behaviour’, said his fellow actors see comedy as “farting around for money”.
Atkinson, who has been awarded the Commander of the British Empire national honour for his contribution to the arts, is best known for the comic sitcoms ‘Mr Bean’ and ‘Blackladder’.
However, he will be donning a much more serious garb in a movie project he is currently working on.
He is to act the role of a detective, Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, a complete contrast to the roles he has come to be known for.
But he said the role should not be seen as an attempt to get “artistic credibilty”.
“The one thing which I never wish it to be thought is that you play serious roles in order to achieve some kind of acceptability that you can’t get if you play comedy roles.
“I think that it’s quite weird the way the arts community still have a long lasting cynicism of the artistic value of comedy, that comedy is just farting about for money whereas as soon as you play a dramatic role, “Ah ha, now you’re an actor, now you’re doing something of meaning,”’ he said.