Sacha Cohen
Great Britain- Early Life and Family
- Early Career and Education
- Satirical Journalism
- Movie Career
- Voice Acting and Personal Life
Early Life and Family
Sacha Noam Baron Cohen, born on October 13, 1971, in Hammersmith, West London, was the second of three sons. His father, Gerald, owned a menswear store, while his mother's family was of German Jewish descent. His paternal family was from Eastern Europe. Sacha's brother, Erran, is a composer and has worked on several of his films. His cousin, Simon, is a renowned autism researcher.
Early Career and Education
Before pursuing comedy, Cohen briefly worked as a model and hosted a cable television show alongside Carol Kirkwood, later a BBC weather forecaster. In 1995, his character Borat Sagdiyev, a racist, sexist, and homophobic Kazakhstani journalist, emerged on Channel 4's 'The Word.' Borat later became the central figure in the 2006 comedy film 'Borat.' In 1996, Cohen hosted the youth chat show 'F2F' and trained in clowning in Paris.
Satirical Journalism
Adopting the personas of Ali G, Borat, and Brüno, Cohen created the satirical show 'Da Ali G Show.' Ali G, a rapper and journalist, lampooned white Britons who imitated hip-hop culture. Brüno, a flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter, embarrassed subjects with his exaggerated homosexuality and contradictions.
Movie Career
Cohen's film debut came in 2000 with 'The Jolly Boys' Last Stand.' He starred as Ali G in 'Ali G Indahouse' in 2002 and Brüno in the 2009 film 'Brüno.' In 2012, he portrayed Admiral General Haffaz Aladeen, a fictional dictator of the oil-rich nation of Wadiya, in the comedy 'The Dictator.' Despite planning to play Freddie Mercury, disagreements with Queen members prevented the project. Cohen has also appeared in films such as 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,' 'Hugo,' and 'Les Misérables.'
Voice Acting and Personal Life
Cohen voiced King Julien in the 'Madagascar' animated film series. He is married to Isla Fisher, with whom he has two daughters.
