Rowan Atkinson Death Hoax Spreads on Facebook

Rowan Atkinson death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the actor’s alleged demise gained traction on Friday after a ‘R.I.P. Rowan Atkinson’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the British actor’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Friday (November 15, 2013), our beloved actor Rowan Atkinson passed away. Rowan Atkinson was born on January 6, 1955 in Newcastle upon Tyne. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 58-year-old actor and comedian was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major British network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of an actor of Rowan Atkinson's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that a large majority (76%) of respondents think those Rowan Atkinson death rumors are not funny anymore.

Rowan Atkinson Death Hoax Dismissed Since Actor Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Saturday (November 16) the actor's reps officially confirmed that Rowan Atkinson is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved actor. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.