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Rowan Atkinson Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Life and Career of Rowan Atkinson

Cheat Sheet:
The Life and Career of Rowan Atkinson Study Guide

Early Life and Education

The full birth name of Rowan Atkinson is Rowan Sebastian Atkinson, and his date of birth is January 6, 1955.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Rowan Atkinson's full birth name as Rowan Sebastian Atkinson and his birth date as January 6, 1955.

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Rowan Atkinson was born in Consett, County Durham, England.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the provided information, Rowan Atkinson was born in Consett, County Durham, England.

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Rowan Atkinson holds degrees in Electrical Engineering.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Rowan Atkinson holds degrees in Electrical Engineering, specifically a BSc and an MSc.

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Rowan Atkinson's master's thesis, published in 1978, focused on the application of self-tuning control.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson's master's thesis, completed in 1978, addressed the subject of the application of self-tuning control.

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What is the full birth name and date of birth of Rowan Atkinson?

Answer: Rowan Sebastian Atkinson, January 6, 1955

Explanation: The source confirms Rowan Atkinson's full birth name as Rowan Sebastian Atkinson and his date of birth as January 6, 1955.

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In which English town was Rowan Atkinson born?

Answer: Consett, County Durham

Explanation: According to the provided information, Rowan Atkinson was born in Consett, County Durham, England.

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Which academic institution awarded Rowan Atkinson his Master of Science (MSc) degree?

Answer: The Queen's College, Oxford

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson earned his MSc degree from The Queen's College, Oxford.

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Rowan Atkinson's master's thesis, published in 1978, focused on what subject?

Answer: The application of self-tuning control.

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson's master's thesis, published in 1978, centered on the application of self-tuning control.

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Comedy Roots and Breakthroughs

Rowan Atkinson's first significant breakthrough in sketch comedy occurred on the television program "Not the Nine O'Clock News."

Answer: True

Explanation: The provided information confirms that Rowan Atkinson's first significant breakthrough in sketch comedy was with the show "Not the Nine O'Clock News."

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Rowan Atkinson gained initial national recognition for his work in the sketch comedy show "Not the Nine O'Clock News."

Answer: True

Explanation: The provided information indicates that Rowan Atkinson first achieved national recognition through his participation in the sketch comedy show "Not the Nine O'Clock News."

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Richard Curtis and Howard Goodall were collaborators Rowan Atkinson met during his time at the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that Rowan Atkinson met Richard Curtis and Howard Goodall, key collaborators, during his involvement with the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

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The radio program "The Atkinson People" featured Rowan Atkinson performing satirical interviews with fictional personalities he himself portrayed.

Answer: True

Explanation: The radio program "The Atkinson People" is described as featuring Rowan Atkinson conducting satirical interviews with fictional characters he embodied.

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Rowan Atkinson performed a sketch with singer Kate Bush for the "Comic Relief" event in 1986.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson performed a sketch with singer Kate Bush for the "Comic Relief" event in 1986.

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Rowan Atkinson cited "Monty Python" and "Beyond the Fringe" as significant influences on his early comedic development.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material confirms that Rowan Atkinson identified "Monty Python" and "Beyond the Fringe" as significant influences on his early comedic development.

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Rowan Atkinson identified Peter Sellers' characters, particularly Inspector Clouseau and Hrundi Bakshi, as key influences on his portrayals of Mr. Bean and Johnny English.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson has cited Peter Sellers' characters, specifically Inspector Clouseau and Hrundi Bakshi, as key influences on his portrayals of Mr. Bean and Johnny English.

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Rowan Atkinson's first major success in sketch comedy came from which television show?

Answer: Not the Nine O'Clock News

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson achieved his first significant breakthrough in sketch comedy with the program "Not the Nine O'Clock News."

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How did Rowan Atkinson first gain national attention on stage?

Answer: Performing in "The Oxford Revue" at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson first achieved national recognition through his performance in "The Oxford Revue" at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 1976.

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Which screenwriter did Rowan Atkinson meet at the Oxford University Dramatic Society?

Answer: Richard Curtis

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson met screenwriter Richard Curtis during his time with the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

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What was the premise of Rowan Atkinson's radio show, "The Atkinson People"?

Answer: A series of satirical interviews with fictional figures portrayed by Atkinson.

Explanation: The radio program "The Atkinson People" featured a series of satirical interviews with fictional prominent figures, all portrayed by Rowan Atkinson himself.

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Rowan Atkinson performed a sketch with which singer for the 1986 "Comic Relief" event?

Answer: Kate Bush

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson performed a sketch with singer Kate Bush for the "Comic Relief" event in 1986.

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Which of the following comedians were cited as influences on Rowan Atkinson's physical comedy style?

Answer: Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson cited Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton as significant influences on his physical comedy style.

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Peter Sellers' characters Hrundi Bakshi and Inspector Clouseau influenced Atkinson's portrayals of which characters?

Answer: Mr. Bean and Johnny English

Explanation: Peter Sellers' characters Hrundi Bakshi and Inspector Clouseau influenced Atkinson's portrayals of Mr. Bean and Johnny English.

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Which of the following was NOT mentioned as an early comedy influence on Rowan Atkinson?

Answer: The Goon Show

Explanation: While "Monty Python" and "Beyond the Fringe" (which included Peter Cook) were cited as influences, "The Goon Show" was not explicitly mentioned as an early influence in the provided text.

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Iconic Television Roles

The television sitcom "Blackadder" featured Rowan Atkinson in the titular role, with the character undergoing significant evolution across its various series.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material confirms that Rowan Atkinson played the titular role of Edmund Blackadder in the sitcom "Blackadder," and that the character evolved significantly throughout the series.

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In "Blackadder II," the character Edmund Blackadder was depicted as a cunning and often amoral anti-hero.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that in "Blackadder II," Edmund Blackadder was portrayed as a cunning and amoral anti-hero, a departure from his earlier depiction.

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The "Blackadder" series "Blackadder Goes Forth" was set during World War I.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the "Blackadder" series "Blackadder Goes Forth" was set during the historical context of World War I.

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Rowan Atkinson stated that the character Mr. Bean was primarily inspired by Jacques Tati's character Monsieur Hulot.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson has stated that Jacques Tati's character Monsieur Hulot was the primary inspiration for Mr. Bean, describing the character as a child in a man's body.

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Rowan Atkinson expressed that playing the childlike Mr. Bean became less comfortable and more physically demanding as he aged into his 50s, finding it "a little sad."

Answer: True

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson stated that as he aged, portraying the childlike Mr. Bean became less comfortable and more physically demanding, describing the situation as "a little sad."

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Rowan Atkinson described the essence of the Mr. Bean character as being entirely selfish and self-centred, akin to a child in a man's body.

Answer: True

Explanation: Atkinson characterized the core essence of Mr. Bean as being fundamentally selfish and self-centred, likening the character to a child inhabiting an adult's form.

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Which of the following was a titular role for Rowan Atkinson in a sitcom, according to the source?

Answer: Mr. Bean

Explanation: Mr. Bean is identified as one of Rowan Atkinson's most famous titular roles in a sitcom.

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How was the character of Edmund Blackadder significantly altered in "Blackadder II"?

Answer: He was reimagined as a devious anti-hero in the Elizabethan era.

Explanation: In "Blackadder II," set during the Elizabethan era, the character was reinvented as a devious anti-hero, representing a significant departure from the more naive character presented in the first series.

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The "Blackadder" series "Blackadder Goes Forth" is set during which historical conflict?

Answer: World War I

Explanation: "Blackadder Goes Forth" was set during the historical conflict of World War I.

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According to Rowan Atkinson, which French filmmaker's character served as the primary inspiration for Mr. Bean?

Answer: Jacques Tati

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson stated that Jacques Tati's character Monsieur Hulot served as the principal inspiration for Mr. Bean.

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What did Rowan Atkinson describe as the "essence" of the Mr. Bean character?

Answer: A selfish, self-centred child in a man's body.

Explanation: Atkinson characterized the fundamental essence of Mr. Bean as being wholly selfish and self-centred, likening the character to a child inhabiting an adult's body who remains largely oblivious to the external world.

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Film and Voice Acting

Rowan Atkinson provided the voice for the character Zazu, a hornbill, in Disney's animated film "The Lion King."

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material confirms that Rowan Atkinson voiced the character Zazu in Disney's 1994 animated film "The Lion King."

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Rowan Atkinson portrayed the character Fagin in the 2009 West End revival of the musical "Oliver!".

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson played the role of Fagin in the 2009 West End revival of the musical "Oliver!".

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Mel Smith, a former colleague from "Not the Nine O'Clock News," directed the first "Mr. Bean" feature film, "Bean" (1997).

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Mel Smith, a former colleague of Atkinson's from "Not the Nine O'Clock News," directed the first "Mr. Bean" feature film, "Bean," released in 1997.

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During the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Rowan Atkinson, portraying Mr. Bean, humorously mimicked the runners from the film "Chariots of Fire."

Answer: True

Explanation: During the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Rowan Atkinson, as Mr. Bean, performed a comedic sketch that included mimicking the runners from the film "Chariots of Fire."

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In the 2023 film "Wonka," Rowan Atkinson portrayed the character Father Julius.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Rowan Atkinson's role in the 2023 film "Wonka" was that of Father Julius.

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Rowan Atkinson voiced the character Zazu in Disney's "The Lion King," not in "Mr. Bean: The Animated Series."

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Rowan Atkinson voiced Zazu in "The Lion King" and that his voice role in the "Mr. Bean" animated series was for a different character.

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In the Disney film "The Lion King," what character did Rowan Atkinson voice?

Answer: Zazu

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson provided the voice for Zazu, the hornbill, in Disney's animated film "The Lion King."

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Rowan Atkinson played the role of Fagin in which 2009 stage production?

Answer: Oliver!

Explanation: In the 2009 West End revival of the musical "Oliver!", Rowan Atkinson portrayed the character Fagin.

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During the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean sketch humorously referenced which classic film?

Answer: Chariots of Fire

Explanation: During the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean sketch humorously referenced the classic film "Chariots of Fire."

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In the 2023 film "Wonka," Rowan Atkinson portrayed which character?

Answer: Father Julius

Explanation: In the 2023 film "Wonka," Rowan Atkinson portrayed the character Father Julius.

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Rowan Atkinson returned to voice his character in which animated series, starting in 2002?

Answer: Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson reprised his voice role for the character in "Mr. Bean: The Animated Series," which commenced in 2002.

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Public Persona and Social Commentary

Rowan Atkinson's signature comic style, particularly in his non-Mr. Bean roles, often relies on deadpan delivery of absurd lines and playing authority figures, rather than elaborate wordplay and puns.

Answer: True

Explanation: While known for physical comedy as Mr. Bean, Atkinson's other characters frequently employ language, often portraying authority figures who deliver absurd lines with a deadpan demeanor, distinguishing his style from reliance on elaborate wordplay.

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Atkinson's deliberate over-articulation of certain consonant sounds, such as the 'B' sound, is a technique employed to manage his speech impediment.

Answer: True

Explanation: Atkinson's practice of over-articulating problematic consonant sounds, exemplified by the 'B' sound, serves as a technique to manage his speech impediment.

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In 2001, Rowan Atkinson managed to keep his private plane airborne and land it after the pilot fainted during a flight over Kenya.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source details an incident in 2001 where the pilot of Atkinson's private plane fainted over Kenya, and Atkinson successfully piloted the aircraft until the pilot recovered to land it.

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Rowan Atkinson led a protest against the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill in 2005, expressing concern that it could lead to censorship of artistic expression.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2005, Rowan Atkinson was a prominent figure in protesting the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, voicing concerns about its potential to enable censorship of artistic works.

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In 2009, Rowan Atkinson urged the House of Lords to vote against a government attempt to remove a free-speech clause from anti-gay hate legislation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that in 2009, Rowan Atkinson advocated for the House of Lords to reject a governmental proposal that sought to eliminate a free-speech clause within anti-gay hate legislation.

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Rowan Atkinson wrote a letter to "The Times" defending Boris Johnson's joke about burqa wearers, stating it was a "pretty good one."

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the source, Rowan Atkinson penned a letter to "The Times" in defense of Boris Johnson's joke concerning burqa wearers, characterizing the remark as a "pretty good one."

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A February 2024 House of Lords report suggested that Rowan Atkinson's opinion piece on electric cars had negatively impacted public perception and contributed to poor sales.

Answer: True

Explanation: A February 2024 report from the House of Lords indicated that Rowan Atkinson's commentary on electric vehicles potentially "damaged" public perception and negatively affected sales.

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Besides physical comedy, what is characteristic of Rowan Atkinson's style in many of his non-Mr. Bean roles?

Answer: Playing authority figures with deadpan delivery of absurd lines.

Explanation: In many of his non-Mr. Bean roles, Rowan Atkinson's style is characterized by playing authority figures who deliver absurd lines with a deadpan demeanor.

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What technique does Rowan Atkinson use, such as over-articulating the 'B' sound, to manage his speech impediment?

Answer: Over-articulating problematic consonants.

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson employs the technique of over-articulating problematic consonant sounds, such as the 'B' sound, to manage his speech impediment.

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What unusual event occurred during a flight involving Rowan Atkinson and his private plane in Kenya in 2001?

Answer: The pilot fainted, and Atkinson managed the landing.

Explanation: In 2001, while in Kenya, the pilot of Atkinson's private plane fainted, and Atkinson successfully piloted the aircraft until the pilot recovered to execute the landing.

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What was Rowan Atkinson's primary concern regarding the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill in 2005?

Answer: That it would stifle free speech and allow censorship of the arts.

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson's primary concern regarding the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill in 2005 was that it could stifle free speech and facilitate censorship of artistic works.

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In 2009, Rowan Atkinson urged the House of Lords to vote against a government attempt to remove what from anti-gay hate legislation?

Answer: A free-speech clause

Explanation: In 2009, Rowan Atkinson urged the House of Lords to vote against a government attempt to remove a free-speech clause from anti-gay hate legislation.

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What was Rowan Atkinson's stance on "cancel culture" as of January 2021?

Answer: He compared online behavior to a "medieval mob" and criticized its simplistic, binary view.

Explanation: In January 2021, Rowan Atkinson criticized "cancel culture," likening online behavior to a "medieval mob" and arguing that algorithms foster an oversimplified, binary societal view.

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What criticism did a House of Lords report make regarding Rowan Atkinson's views on electric cars?

Answer: That his opinion piece had damaged public perception and contributed to poor sales.

Explanation: A February 2024 House of Lords report suggested that Rowan Atkinson's opinion piece on electric cars had "damaged" public perception and potentially contributed to poor sales.

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Awards and Recognition

Rowan Atkinson was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for his contributions to drama and charitable work.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson received the appointment of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours list, recognizing his contributions to drama and charity.

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Rowan Atkinson won the Laurence Olivier Award in 1981 for his performance in "Rowan Atkinson in Revue."

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson received a Laurence Olivier Award in 1981 for his performance in the West End production "Rowan Atkinson in Revue."

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Rowan Atkinson has won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance twice, for "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Blackadder Goes Forth."

Answer: True

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson has received the BAFTA Television Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance on two occasions: in 1981 for "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and in 1990 for "Blackadder Goes Forth."

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Rowan Atkinson's performance in "Rowan Atkinson in Revue" earned him a Laurence Olivier Award in 1981.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson received a Laurence Olivier Award in 1981 for his performance in the stage show "Rowan Atkinson in Revue."

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What honour did Rowan Atkinson receive in the 2013 Birthday Honours?

Answer: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Explanation: In the 2013 Birthday Honours, Rowan Atkinson was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

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For which performance did Rowan Atkinson win a Laurence Olivier Award in 1981?

Answer: Rowan Atkinson in Revue

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson won a Laurence Olivier Award in 1981 for his performance in "Rowan Atkinson in Revue."

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How many BAFTA Television Awards for Best Light Entertainment Performance has Rowan Atkinson won, according to the source?

Answer: Two

Explanation: According to the source, Rowan Atkinson has won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance twice.

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Personal Life

Rowan Atkinson married Sunetra Sastry in February 1990 and they divorced in 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson married Sunetra Sastry in February 1990 and that they divorced in 2015.

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Rowan Atkinson does not currently live with his former wife, Sunetra Sastry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Given that Rowan Atkinson's current partner is Louise Ford, the statement that he does not live with his former wife, Sunetra Sastry, is accurate.

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Rowan Atkinson married Sunetra Sastry in which month and year?

Answer: February 1990

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson married Sunetra Sastry in February 1990.

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Who is identified in the source as Rowan Atkinson's current partner?

Answer: Louise Ford

Explanation: The source identifies Louise Ford as Rowan Atkinson's current partner.

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Automotive Interests and Incidents

Rowan Atkinson achieved a lap time of 1:42.2 on "Top Gear" driving a Kia Cee'd.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson recorded a lap time of 1:42.2 on the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment of "Top Gear" while driving a Kia Cee'd.

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Rowan Atkinson obtained a lorry driving license in 1981 due to his fascination with lorries and to ensure employment opportunities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Rowan Atkinson obtained a lorry driving license in 1981, motivated by his fascination with lorries and the practical consideration of securing employment as a young actor.

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Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1 car, owned from 1997 to 2015, was involved in two significant accidents, one resulting in a record insurance payout.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1, owned between 1997 and 2015, was involved in two major accidents, with the second incident leading to a record insurance payout in Britain at the time.

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Rowan Atkinson expressed a dislike for owning Porsche cars, stating he found their typical owners "not my kind of people."

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Rowan Atkinson expressed a negative sentiment towards owning Porsche cars, remarking that he found the typical owners to be "not my kind of people."

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What was Rowan Atkinson's lap time on "Top Gear" in the Kia Cee'd?

Answer: 1:42.2

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson recorded a lap time of 1:42.2 on the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment of "Top Gear" while driving a Kia Cee'd.

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Why did Rowan Atkinson obtain a Category C+E lorry driving license in 1981?

Answer: Due to fascination with lorries and to ensure employment.

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson obtained a category C+E lorry driving license in 1981 driven by his fascination with lorries and the desire to secure employment opportunities as a nascent actor.

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Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1, owned from 1997 to 2015, was notable for:

Answer: Being involved in two significant accidents, one causing a record insurance payout.

Explanation: Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1, owned from 1997 to 2015, was involved in two significant accidents, the second of which resulted in the largest insurance payout recorded in Britain at that time.

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What was the nature of the incident involving Rowan Atkinson and an Aston Martin V8 Zagato in 2001?

Answer: He crashed the car during an Aston Martin Owners Club event.

Explanation: In July 2001, Rowan Atkinson was involved in a collision with an Aston Martin V8 Zagato during an Aston Martin Owners Club event at the Croft Racing Circuit.

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