Sacha Baron Cohen is a well-known English performer, author, and comedian, renowned for his portrayal of comedic personas such as Ali G, Brüno Gehard, and Borat Sagdiyev. He later adapted these characters into feature films, including “Borat” (2006), “Brüno” (2009), and “The Dictator” (2012), receiving both positive reviews and financial success.
Early Life
Sacha Noam Baron Cohen, known professionally as Sacha Baron Cohen, was born on November 13, 1971, in London, England. His mother, Daniella, was an Israeli-born photographer, while his father, Gerald, who passed away in 2016, was a London-born owner of a clothing store.
Sacha’s childhood was spent in a Jewish family, alongside his older brothers Erran and Amnon. He received his education at The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School and pursued a degree in history at Christ’s College, Cambridge. In 1993, he graduated with upper-second-class honors.
During his time at Cambridge, he discovered a passion for acting and took part in various theater productions such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Cyrano de Bergerac” with the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club. He also showcased his talents in plays at the Habonim Dror Jewish Theater.
Following his departure from Cambridge, Sacha Baron Cohen pursued a career as a fashion model. It wasn’t until he was approached to co-host a regular program alongside future BBC weathercaster Carol Kirkwood that he transitioned into the entertainment industry.
He then went on to join “Pump TV” on Channel 4 (1995-1996) and “F2F” on Granada Talk TV (1996). Additionally, Sacha Baren Cohen honed his skills as a clown by studying at the École Philippe Gaulier in Paris.
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Career
Sacha Baron Cohen has been featured in numerous films, including “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006), “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007), “The Dictator” (2012), and “Les Misérables” (2012).
Sacha lent his voice to King Julien XIII in the popular “Madagascar” series and made a brief appearance in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” reuniting with his “Talladega Nights” co-star, Will Ferrell.
He also starred in the 2019 Netflix show “The Spy,” and has made guest appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2005) and “Eastbound and Down” (2013).
In 2010, it was revealed that Sacha Baron Cohen had been cast as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” However, Sacha and the remaining members of Queen could not come to a consensus on the film’s direction, leading to his departure from the project in 2013. Rami Malek was ultimately chosen to replace him and went on to win an Oscar for his portrayal in 2019.
Sacha Baron Cohen has shifted his focus to more serious acting in recent times, as seen in his performance as Abbie Hoffman in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020). This role earned him nominations for the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In addition, he has participated in the production and writing processes, developing programs such as “Who Is America?” (2018) that highlight his skill in political satire.
Throughout his professional journey, he has been honored with numerous accolades for his comedic contributions, including multiple MTV Movie awards and a Golden Globe. Sacha Baren Cohen has also been a nominee for several Emmys and received recognition for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars.
Relationship History With Isla Fisher
Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher were introduced at a social gathering in Sydney, Australia. Following a couple of years of courtship, Sacha Baren Cohen proposed to Fisher in 2004. In anticipation of their marriage, Fisher embraced Cohen’s faith, Judaism, in early 2007.
In June 2007, news of the couple’s pregnancy was announced. At the premiere of her movie Hot Rod in July, Fisher expressed her joy and anticipation of becoming a mother to reporters, stating that she was thrilled and extremely excited. Sacha Baron Cohen and Fisher became parents for the first time in October 2007 when their daughter, Olive, was born.
Following a six-year engagement, the pair officially got married in a private Jewish ceremony in the beautiful City of Lights. The couple chose to keep their second pregnancy out of the public eye in 2010.
During that season, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher gave birth to their second daughter, Elula, in a discreet manner. The name is Elula which is derived from the Hebrew word for “August”.
Their third child and first son, Montgomery, was born in March 2015 to Fisher. In the 2016 comedy The Brothers Grimsby, Cohen and Fisher appeared on screen together for the first time, alongside Rebel Wilson, Penélope Cruz, and Gabourey Sidibe.
Cohen and Fisher announced the end of their 13-year marriage through a statement on their shared Instagram Stories, stating that they had filed for divorce together.
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Net Worth
English actor, writer, and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s wealth is estimated at $80 million. Before their separation in late 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen and his partner of many years, Isla Fisher, had a total net worth of $160 million.