Sacha Baron Cohen

Early Years

Sacha Noam Baron Cohen was born on October 13, 1971 in London, to parents Gerald Baron Cohen and Daniella Weiser. His father, Gerald, owns a menswear shop. His mother, the daughter of a ballet dancer, taught at a school of movement. Cohen is the middle of three brothers, one of whom is a composer, trumpet player, and founder of the electronica group Zöhar.

Cohen's family is Orthodox Jewish, a background that in many ways provided the inspiration for his future characters.

Education

Cohen attended a private boys’ school, followed by Christ’s College at the University of Cambridge, where he wrote his dissertation on Jewish involvement in the American Civil Rights movement. While at the university, Cohen acted in several productions by the Amateur Dramatic Club.

His First Big Break

Baron Cohen got his start as a character on Britain’s The 11 O’Clock Show in 1995, after submitting an audition tape. The tape caught the attention of a producer, and Baron Cohen got his first shot in the limelight. His turn as Ali G, the dimwitted wannabe rapper, earned him his own series in 2000, Da Ali G Show.

Ali G Indahouse was a feature film released in 2002, which led to his own HBO show in 2003. Da Ali G Show took the cable network by storm, and introduced Americans to Ali G, Borat and Bruno. The show ran for two seasons.

Sacha Baron Cohen’s Characters

Baron Cohen as Borat

In addition to rapper Ali G, Baron Cohen also introduced audiences to Borat (a Kazakhstan reporter) and Bruno (a flamboyantly gay Austrian fashion presenter). Baron Cohen’s characters often get a laugh at the expense of the people being interviewed. From politicians to sports stars, no one was spared the dim but hilarious observations of Ali G. Only journalist Andy Rooney got frustrated during an interview and demanded that it end.

Borat

Borat is a mockumentary that follows the reporter across the United States in his quest to marry Pamela Anderson. Along the way, Borat conducts interviews which touch on such controversial issues as racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and other taboos. The film debuted at number one, earning $26.4 million (averaging $31,600 per theater at 837 theaters).

Commitment to Character

One of the elusive qualities of Sacha Baron Cohen is his commitment to his characters. During the promotion of Borat, Cohen was never seen as himself, rather appearances and interviews were done as the character Borat. For this reason, few really know the true Sacha Baron Cohen, leaving many puzzled about whether or not his characters are real or simply a put-on.

Awards

Cohen has earned numerous Emmy nominations and two BAFTA TV Awards (Best Comedy Series, Best Comedy Performance) for Da Ali G Show.

Personal Life

Sacha Baron Cohen is engaged to Isla Fisher, the Australian actress best known for her role in Wedding Crashers.

Other Films

Baron Cohen as Borat at the 2005 MTV European Music Awards

Baron Cohen has also appeared in other films and television shows, including:

• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) - Jean Girard
• Curb Your Enthusiasm (2005)
• Madagascar (2005) - voice of lemur King Julien
• MTV Europe Music Awards – presented as Ali G in 2001 and as Borat in 2005

Legal Actions

Being a controversial comedian is not without its legal implications. Baron Cohen has had several lawsuits brought against him as a result of the film Borat, including:

• Residents of the Romanian village where Borat scenes were filmed filed a suit asserting that they were misrepresented. The lawsuit was dismissed.
• The Kazakhstan government threatened to sue Baron Cohen following his appearance on the MTV Europe Music Awards as Borat. The daughter of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev supported Baron Cohen.
• Two college fraternity brothers seen in the film Borat sued Baron Cohen, saying they were given drinks before signing the consent agreement and told the film would not be shown in America. The two attempted to stop the release of the DVD and/or have their scenes removed from the films. The judge denied their requests.

Fun Facts

• Cohen appeared in the Madonna video, Music, as the limousine driver (2000).
• He gave the 2004 Class Day address at Harvard University (as Ali G).
• Baron Cohen appeared as Borat at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards, but his appearance was edited out due to sexist remarks about Jessica Simpson.
• A film based on his character Bruno is in the works, with Cohen being paid $13 million upfront, as well as receiving 15% of the box office sales.