Newcastle University Notable Alumni

British comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson has entertained audience globally with his brilliant performance as the eponymous character in the Mr. Bean series and its film adaptations. Earlier, he established himself as a fine comedy actor with Blackadder and then went on to work in movies like Never Say Never Again, The Witches and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Ed Stafford is a British explorer who became the first person to walk the length of the famous Amazon River in 2010. Walking the Amazon is widely regarded as the longest jungle trek in the history of mankind and the feat is also recognized by the Guinness World Records. He currently hosts shows for the Discovery Channel.

The founder of the Armstrong Whitworth manufacturing company, William George Armstrong, also known as Baron Armstrong, redefined the design of guns and also invented the high-pressure hydraulic mechanism. Initially a lawyer, he later quit his practice to devote more time to engineering. He was also knighted for his feats.

Alexander Downer is an Australian former diplomat and politician. From 1996 to 2007, Downer served as Australia's foreign minister, becoming the longest-serving Minister for Foreign Affairs in the history of Australian politics. He also served as the Liberal Party's leader from 1994 to 1995. Alexander Downer was honored with the prestigious Centenary Medal in January 2001.

Born to Jamaican immigrants in the UK, Constance Briscoe had an inspiring rags-to-riches story of growing up in an abusive household and then financing her education to become one of the first Black female judicial officers in the UK. She, however, was later jailed for lying to the police.