Millions of people know Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean, the British comedy character who can make audiences laugh without saying a word.
But his son, Benjamin “Ben” Atkinson, chose a very different career.
Rather than enter the entertainment industry, Ben trained as an officer in the British Army.
In 2019, he traveled to Nepal to learn the language and traditions of the Gurkhas. He went on to serve as a platoon commander in the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Growing Up With a World-Famous Father
Benjamin Atkinson was born in 1993 to Rowan Atkinson and makeup artist Sunetra Sastry.
His father became internationally famous for Mr. Bean, Blackadder and the Johnny English films.
But Ben followed his own interests.
After studying at the University of Exeter, he pursued a commission in the British Army.
His younger sister, Lily, took a different direction, developing a career in music and performance.
The siblings' careers show that growing up in a famous family does not mean choosing the same profession.
From University to Sandhurst
Ben attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the institution responsible for training many British Army officers.
Sandhurst prepares future leaders for the practical demands of military service, including field exercises, decision-making and responsibility for soldiers.
Following his officer training, Ben also completed further infantry preparation.
He subsequently joined the Royal Gurkha Rifles, a regiment with close ties to Nepal.
His new role required more than standard military training.
It also meant learning to communicate with soldiers whose traditions and first language were often different from his own.
Why He Traveled to Nepal in 2019
In October 2019, Nepali Times reported that 26-year-old Ben had spent about three months in Nepal as part of the process of becoming a Gurkha officer.
His preparation included a roughly ten-week language and cultural program.
He studied Nepali, the customs of the country and the traditions associated with Gurkha military service.
The Royal Gurkha Rifles expect their officers to learn Nepali because language plays an important role in leading and working with Gurkha soldiers.
According to contemporary reporting, Ben adapted quickly to the language.
His previous experience studying Arabic and Spanish was suggested as one possible reason.
Learning More Than a New Language
Ben's training also introduced him to Nepalese cultural traditions.
Reports described his participation in local singing and dancing activities as well as his formal studies.
A photograph published by Nepali Times showed Gurkha officer Bijayant Sherchan applying tika to Ben's forehead.
Tika is a traditional mark used during religious and cultural ceremonies.
The image reflected the cultural side of his preparation, not simply military instruction.
His time in Nepal helped him build familiarity with the people and customs connected to the regiment.
What Are the Royal Gurkha Rifles?
The <Entity category="organization" value="Royal Gurkha Rifles" disambig="British Army infantry regiment"/> are part of the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas.
Gurkha soldiers are recruited in Nepal, while officers may come from the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
Gurkha regiments have a long history of military service.
The present-day Royal Gurkha Rifles were formed in 1994 through the merger of several earlier regiments.
According to the British Army, officers are expected to learn Nepali as part of their training.
For Ben, that meant preparing to lead soldiers by understanding their language and traditions, not simply commanding them.
Ben Described His Experience as a Platoon Commander
Ben later contributed a firsthand account to a Royal Gurkha Rifles guide for prospective officers.
He described completing Sandhurst and further training before flying to Brunei to join A Company of the 2nd Battalion.
Soon afterward, his unit deployed to New Zealand for a military exercise.
He remembered being welcomed by the Gurkha soldiers in his platoon.
They helped him learn more Nepali and introduced him to their customs.
Ben also described participating in Dashain celebrations in Brunei, including performing a dance in front of the battalion.
His account emphasized the relationships he formed with his soldiers.
Training Took Him Across Several Countries
The military guide also described further experiences in Nepal and Southeast Asia.
Ben recalled trekking in Nepal with members of his platoon and taking part in language training in Pokhara.
He also mentioned the physically demanding doko race, a challenge associated with Gurkha military tradition.
His service included jungle training in Brunei and exercises with other military units.
These experiences reflected the wide range of duties and preparation expected of an infantry officer.
However, his exact present-day rank and assignment have not been independently established by the public sources reviewed.
A Different Career From His Famous Father
Rowan Atkinson built a career on comedy, acting and unforgettable fictional characters.
Ben chose military service, language learning and leadership.
Their professions have very different demands, even if both require dedication and years of preparation.
There is no need to assume that Ben rejected his father's achievements or that his family opposed his choice.
The documented story is simpler: he pursued a career that interested him.
And in doing so, he became known for something other than being the son of a famous actor.
Building His Own Identity
The photograph of Ben receiving tika during his Gurkha training gained attention partly because of his family connection.
But the deeper story is about the path he chose for himself.
He studied, completed officer training, traveled to Nepal and learned to work with soldiers from another culture.
The British Army's own account provides a glimpse of his responsibilities beyond the headlines.
His father became famous for portraying Mr. Bean. Benjamin Atkinson chose to build his career in military uniform, leading soldiers rather than performing for audiences.
Editor's note: The Nepal training described in this article took place in 2019. Public sources do not establish Ben Atkinson's exact military posting or rank as of October 2026.
Sources: Nepali Times — Mr Bean's son is a Gurkha (October 19, 2019); British Army — Royal Gurkha Rifles; British Army — Royal Gurkha Rifles potential officers' guide, including Ben Atkinson's firsthand account; People — Rowan Atkinson's children; National Army Museum — Royal Gurkha Rifles history.