Have you seen Rowan Atkinson in the British television series titled Maigret?
He plays a police inspector, Jules Maigret, set in 1950s France. Atkinson plays this role straight-up serious, and he does a most excellent job. The entire show is just first rate.
I had a real tough time seeing Atkinson play a serious role, and the first time I watched this show, I was waiting for the Mr. Bean part of Atkinson do some funny gag stuff.
Not to be, and that's OK because this show is very well done.
Watch for references to Mr. Bean and Black Adder.
The Brits are very disposed to “look back humor” in their productions.
Even House (US prod) has had some “Bertie Wooster” moments; Stephen Fry made an appearance and other sly references to “Jeeves & Wooster” characters.
His Black Adder series also had a serious side to it, pretty sure that was between Mr. Bean and the one your referring to...shows an evolution that may comedians make to more serious material over time. Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Steve Martin to name a few.