Mr. Bean brings the laughs to the Opening Ceremonies

Jul 27, 2012 6:35 PM by Meagan Morris

Posted in Entertainment / Television / Olympics

Rowan Atkinson Kills It
At The Olympics

Rowan Atkinson -- better known as Mr. Bean -- did his part for the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony. Check out his hilarious rendition of "Chariots of Fire" -- an instant classic.

VIDEOS: 4 Classic Mr. Bean skits >>

Due to copyright conflict, we were obligated to remove the videos from this article

Leave it to Mr. Bean to bring some much-needed laughter to the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The comedian — real name Rowan Atkinson — joined the London Symphony Orchestra to perform the quintessential Olympics song "Chariots of Fire." However, Mr. Bean's job was to push one measly key on a keyboard — and he gets bored.

Naturally, hilarity ensues.

Eventually, Mr. Bean makes it onto the beach — a la the 1981 film Chariots of Fire — though the other runners quickly outpace him. No mind, he finds other ways to win.

The stunt landed Mr. Bean as one of Twitter's biggest trending topics, much to the delight of British fans.

"If there ever was a time for the world to get British humour then #mrbean would be it!" one Brit tweeted during the performance.

Product placement was rampant during the Opening Ceremonies, including during Mr. Bean's bit — he pulled out a Samsung phone to take a photo and drove a BMW Mini on the beach. Naturally, not everyone liked it — but Samsung was pleased.

"A very special performance of Chariots of Fire featuring Mr Bean and a #Samsung Galaxy Ace!" they tweeted afterward.

Other high points during the Danny Boyle-directed Opening Ceremonies included dozens of Mary Poppins-lookalikes fighting a huge Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter, along with the queen's arrival with James Bond via helicopter.

Of course, the Ceremonies always bring us to tears for some reason — maybe it's the intense national pride we feel when the athletes march? Or, maybe we're just overly emotional — it happens! Still, we couldn't help but get choked up over these poignant — and hilarious — moments during the Ceremonies.

Image courtesy WENN.com

What did you think of the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies: Awesome or super lame?

Tags: mr. bean rowan atkinson summer games

Comments

Comments on "Mr. Bean brings the laughs to the Opening Ceremonies"

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Hi bornhuman, The International Olympic Committee ordered us to remove the videos because they own the copyrights. We apologize if this causes any inconveniences for you and are working with the IOC on gaining access to some clips, so we can embed in our article. Thank you for your patience -- all the best! -Lauren Swanson

I'm curious. What was the "copyright conflict"? What two sides were disputing ownership?

I think the whole ceremony was a wonderfully creative, totally welcome change from the 'usual'. Most host countries do endless choreographed set-pieces with thousands of children - reflecting history, or the mythological indigenous dimension. (Think Sydney). Britain gave us her back-story but made the whole thing a break from Hollywoodised expectations. And has any host nation ever poked fun at itself at this event did? The Head of State, a Queen no less, being part of the spoof! Absolutely priceless.

Absolutely brilliant, the whole family were howling with laughter when we say this. The opening ceremony was excellent and the games have been even better. I laugh ever time I see this.

opening cermony was very good mr bean topped it off by far then bond

I am not an American but I think Bush is funnier.

that was not the best ceremony, it was one of the worst. the dancing nurses and mary poppins fighting voldemort was awful. Beijing had a very good cermony, and Vancouver is my fav winter olympic ceremony.

That was awesome......so goooooooood!!!!

I loved the whole ceremony, but this part was by far the best. Rowan Atkinson is a brilliant actor and is great in this clip. That's only my opinion :)

Best opening ceremony of all time.

Rowan Atkinson's performance made me cry tears of joy :D

AWESOME CEREMONY! :D

I am an American and I think Mr.Bean is very funny

I very much like Mr. Bean. He sure puts laughter into many lives. It's to bad some people are so negative they can't enjoy some laughter in their lives. I guess some people are so jealous and can't look beyond the jealousy.

Excellent opening ceremony! People here in Atlanta agree the only opening ceremony that compares to this is Beijing...which I agree with. In a world of CGI and social media, it's so great to be reminded at what got us where we are today! Jim Henson must've be smiling somewhere with that incredible puppet which paid homage to the villainous Voldemort from Harry Potter as well as Cruella DeVille! I remember sneaking downstairs and watching Mr. Bean, Benny Hill and Monty Python which all came on late night Public Broadcasting here in the states. Thank you, London, for having that Mr. Bean bit! Rowan is such a wonderful actor! Without British comedy to keep us laughing, where would we be as a society? Congrats on such a fantastic opening ceremony, London! Now if only we can get more shots of that awesome RIVER!!! *wink wink nudge nudge*

Was mildly entertaining, but I can't help thinking about the millions of dollars that went into this - all to glorify some athletes. Where are the priorities?! But Mr Bean is totally lovable.

really funny i think, it was all fabulous :)

Really, really great! Can anyone help me to find the whole ceremony at once? I can just find parts! Thank you! R. Stefan

Am I the only one who would have been scared out of my wits as a child watching this with the giant demon warlock guy terrorizing that little girl? I love the nightmare theme -- very artsy -- but not so much for a program families will be watching.