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The much-adored television series Blackadder, which originally aired on from 1983 to 1989, starred Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder and Sir Tony Robinson as Baldrick. Each season was set in a distinct historical era, with the two main characters interacting with a variety of different figures. Several characters made appearances across multiple seasons, often portraying a character different from their original one.

In a poll conducted in 2001, Edmund Blackadder was voted the third greatest TV character of all time. In a 2004 survey to determine Britain's Best Sitcom, Blackadder secured the second spot, narrowly missing out to . Every season comprised six half-hour episodes, each set in a unique period of British history. The inaugural series, titled The Black Adder and produced in 1983, was set during the fictitious reign of Richard IV. The subsequent series, Blackadder II (1986), took place during the reign of Elizabeth I. Blackadder the Third (1987) was set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, during the reign of George III, reports . Lastly, Blackadder Goes Forth (1989) was set in the trenches of the Great War in 1917. The show chronicled the misadventures of Edmund Blackadder, with each incarnation of the Blackadder character being a descendant of the previous one from the last series.

Despite it being 41 years since the first episode of this iconic BBC show aired, Blackadder remains one of the most renowned comedies ever produced. Fans will recall the iconic characters that made the show a hit, and we've compiled a list of these characters and their current endeavours over four decades since the show's debut.

Rowan Atkinson - Edmund Blackadder

Rowan Atkinson co-penned Blackadder with Richard Curtis. The cast and crew of Blackadder have often gone on to enjoy illustrious careers and global success. As one of the UK's most successful comedians, Rowan has graced our screens in numerous unforgettable roles over the years. He played the lead roles in the sitcoms Blackadder (1983-1989) and Mr. Bean (1990-1995).

In addition to several TV series, Rowan has also featured in many films. This includes the James Bond film Never Say Never Again (1983), The Witches (1990), Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) and Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007).

The actor was awarded a CBE in the 2013 Birthday Honours for his contributions to drama and charity. Rowan's characters, particularly Edmund Blackadder and Mr Bean, have become integral to British pop culture. In February 2024, it was revealed that he would star in a fourth Johnny English film - another of his most renowned characters.

Tony Robinson - Baldrick

Sir Tony Robinson rose to fame as Edmund Blackadder's lackey 'Baldrick' in the British historical sitcom Blackadder, remaining in the role until 1989. In addition to his acting career, he has hosted numerous documentaries, including Channel 4's Time Team and The Worst Jobs in History. In recognition of his public and political contributions, he was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2013.

Post-Blackadder, Sir Tony lent his voice and acting talents to the British animated series Nellie the Elephant, serving as the narrator and a lead actor. The show aired on Children's ITV from 1989 to 1991.

Beyond his work in children's television, Sir Tony is also an accomplished author, having penned 16 children's books. Many will recognise his distinctive voice from the popular TV programme 'Airline', where he provided voiceovers for the easyJet-centric show.

The series, produced for ITV, continues to be replayed today. The Blackadder star served as the narrator for six of the remaining nine series until its conclusion in 2006. In 2019, Robinson made a guest appearance in the episode 'The Dig' in Series 5 of the ITV comedy Plebs, playing an archaeologist named Daedalus Graeco. Sir Tony has also contributed to numerous historical broadcasting documentaries.

Stephen Fry - Melchett

Sir Stephen Fry has become a national treasure since his portrayal of the faithful Lord Melchett in Blackadder. He featured in several series of the successful comedy show.

From 2003 to 2016, he hosted the British comedy panel game show QI. The comedian has written and starred in various documentary series, including his Emmy-Award-winning Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive.

Stephen's cinematic roles include his portrayal of Oscar Wilde in the film "Wilde" (1997), earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. His filmography also includes appearances in "Chariots of Fire" (1981), "A Fish Called Wanda", and "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" (2011).

In February 2018, the television personality revealed he was recuperating from surgery to treat aggressive prostate cancer, crediting early intervention with saving his life.

In the 2025 New Year Honours, Stephen was knighted by King Charles III in recognition of his contributions to mental health awareness, environmental conservation, and charitable causes.

Rik Mayall - Lord Flashheart

The character Lord Flashheart is featured twice in the series Blackadder. The first appearance was in an episode of the second series. His descendant, Squadron Commander the Lord Flashheart, was a significant character in the fourth series episode titled "Private Plane", with comedy icon Rik Mayall taking on the role.

Throughout his career, Mayall starred in numerous successful comedy series, including 'Rick' in "The Young Ones" (1982-1984) and Richard 'Richie' Richard in "Bottom" (1991-1995).

His final television performance was posthumously aired on Dave, in the first episode of the second series of "Crackanory", broadcast on 24 September 2014.

Rik tragically passed away from a heart attack at his London home on 9 June 2014, aged just 56. His enduring legacy ensures he remains a household name, with his characters continuing to be adored by millions. In 2014, a towering 20-foot mural of the comedian was unveiled on the Playhouse in Harlow, Essex, Rik's birthplace.

Miranda Richardson - Queen Elizabeth

Actress Miranda Richardson shot to fame for her portrayal of Elizabeth I in the BBC's hit comedy Blackadder. In the ensuing years, Miranda has starred in numerous blockbuster films, securing significant roles. Miranda was a key cast member in the second series of Blackadder and made regular appearances in subsequent series and one-off specials.

Fans were disheartened when Miranda Richardson did not return as a main character for the third series of Blackadder. However, she did make a single appearance as Amy Hardwood. Around the same time (1985) as assuming the role of 'Queenie' in Blackadder, Miranda made her film debut as Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the United Kingdom, in the biographical drama Dance with a Stranger.

In 1987, the actress received a nomination for the 1987 Olivier Award for Best Actress for A Lie of the Mind. She clinched the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Damage, a 1995 romantic drama.

Throughout her career, she has been nominated for seven Golden Globe Awards, winning twice for Enchanted April (1991) and the TV film Fatherland (1994).

The 67-year-old continues to act, with recent roles including Sybil Birling in Helen Edmundson's One adaptation of J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls, a part she secured in 2015. She returned to voice Mrs Tweedy in the 2023 film, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

Tim McInnerny - Percy

Tim McInnerny is recognised for his portrayal of Percy in The Black Adder and Blackadder II, and as Captain Darling in Blackadder Goes Forth. Although he didn't feature as a regular cast member in Blackadder the Third, a guest spot made him the only actor, apart from Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson, to appear in all four series of the programme.

The actor reunited with co-stars, performing alongside Hugh Laurie in 101 Dalmatians and Rowan Atkinson in Johnny English Reborn. Tim has featured in several blockbuster films, such as Max in Notting Hill, acting opposite Julia Roberts. He also starred as Senator Thraex in Gladiator II. His more recent television appearances include Law and Order: UK (2011) and New Tricks (2012).

Patsy Byrne - Bernard

Patsy Byrne portrayed Bernard, also known as Nursie, appearing in all six episodes of the second series of Blackadder. The character remained at court at the side of Queen Elizabeth I. Nursie frequently embarrassed herself and Queenie by openly recounting tales of the Queen's childhood.

Nursie, a beloved character from Blackadder, met her untimely demise at the hands of Prince Ludwig the Indestructible in the episode "Chains". Following her Blackadder days, Patsy Byrne charmed audiences in ITV's comedy series 'Watching', embodying Mrs Stoneway across seven seasons from 1987 to 1993.

Her career was peppered with notable performances including parts in I, Claudius (1976), Stealing Heaven (1988), Inspector Morse (1989), 2point4 Children (1991), Les Miserables (1998), David Copperfield (1999) and Kevin and Perry Go Large (2000). Sadly, the actress passed away on June 17 2014, residing at the actors' retirement home Denville Hall, at the age of 80.

Hugh Laurie - Prince Ludwig

Hugh Laurie - best known as the other half of Fry and Laurie alongside Stephen Fry - made a splash in Blackadder II, initially appearing as the tipsy noble Simon Partridge in "Beer", before later featuring in the finale as the dastardly spy Prince Ludwig the Indestructible. Portraying Prince George IV in Blackadder the Third was one of Laurie's prominent roles. Post-Blackadder, Hugh Laurie's acting prowess skyrocketed.

He achieved global fame portraying Dr. Gregory House in the Fox medical drama series House from 2004 to 2012, winning two Golden Globe Awards for his portrayal.

Laurie continued to dazzle as Richard Onslow Roper in The Night Manager (2016), snatching his third Golden Globe for his performance as the formidable arms dealer. He was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours and later as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 New Year Honours, both recognitions for his contributions to drama.

In May 2025, it was revealed that Laurie would take on the leading role in the new thriller drama 'The Wanted Man' for Apple TV+.

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