Borat and beyond: Sacha Baron Cohen’s craziest characters

Baron Cohen stars as the late American social activist Abbie Hoffman in Aaron Sorkin's 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' (2020), which is based on the infamous real-life 1969 trial. The film picked up Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

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Abbie Hoffman -

Baron Cohen himself picked up a Best Supporting Actor nod for his role as Hoffman, who in addition to being one of the Chicago Seven, was also a leading proponent of the Flower Power movement.

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Ali G -

We first saw Ali G on ‘The 11 O’Clock Show’ more than 20 years ago. After that, he got his own hit series: ‘Da Ali G Show.’

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Ali G -

The “voice of da yoof,” Ali G is a stereotype of a white British person who's obsessed with black British culture.

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Ali G -

He used confusing slang and interviewed big name guests, from Donald Trump to the Beckhams.

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Borat -

Borat Sagdiyev is probably the best-known character from Baron Cohen. He first appeared on chat show ‘F2F’ and appeared in his own film in 2006.

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Borat -

'Borat' is one of the most controversial films ever. In it, the titular character explores the US, making a mockery of feminists, racial minorities, the disabled, and rodeo attendees in Salem.

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Borat -

Baron Cohen received complaints and lawsuits from all around the world in response to the film. He also won a Golden Globe for his iconic performance.

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Borat, but as a father -

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Borat, but as a father -

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Jean Girard -

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Jean Girard -

Girard’s dream is to move to Stockholm. There, he plans to develop a currency that can be used by dogs and cats.

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Jean Girard -

When Bobby and Girard make amends, they share a kiss at the finishing line. The performance won the duo the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss.

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Signor Adolfo Pirelli -

The actor kept his name in the headlines in 2007, starring in a film version of ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.’

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Signor Adolfo Pirelli -

He plays Signor Adolfo Pirelli, an Italian barber who gets challenged by Sweeney Todd.

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Signor Adolfo Pirelli -

After being outperformed, Pirelli confronts Todd and eventually meets a deadly end.

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Brüno -

After the first 'Borat' film shocked the world, Baron Cohen needed something (or someone) new to keep his pranks going.

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Brüno -

He brought back Brüno Gehard, a small character from 'Da Ali G Show.' The flamboyantly gay fashion reporter causes mayhem in his own film, 'Brüno' (2009)

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Brüno -

In 'Brüno,' Baron Cohen interviews Ayman Abu Aita, who the Boston Globe reported to be a terrorist involved in actual attacks. He also pulls zany stunts on live talk programs and at fashion shows.

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Admiral General Aladeen -

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Admiral General Aladeen -

Aladeen was seemingly based on Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader who was killed a year before 'The Dictator' was released.

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Admiral General Aladeen -

Aladeen is a tyrannical despot with strong anti-Western views. He ventures to the US, at one point visiting the Death to Aladeen Restaurant, which is filled with people he had ordered to be executed.

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Monsieur Thénardier -

Also in 2012, Sacha joined an all-star cast for 'Les Misérables,' an ambitious adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel.

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Monsieur Thénardier -

He played Monsieur Thénardier, a greedy innkeeper who works with his wife, Madame Thénardier (played by Helena Bonham Carter).

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Monsieur Thénardier -

The Thénardiers are swindlers who are tasked with “taking care” of the orphaned Cosette. Baron Cohen abandoned a role in ‘Django Unchained’ for the role.

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"Nobby" Butcher -

Baron Cohen’s next scripted film was 2016's 'Grimsby,' an action comedy focused on “Nobby” Butcher.

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"Nobby" Butcher -

Butcher is a football hooligan who lives on a Grimsby estate with 11 kids. His estranged brother Sebastian is a top agent for MI6.

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"Nobby" Butcher -

At one point, Butcher and his brother venture to Santiago. There they watch a football final between England and Germany, and Nobby shoots a referee who was about to disallow an England goal.

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Time - One of Baron Cohen's lesser-known characters, Time is no less crazier than the rest.

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Time - The character cropped up in ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016). He’s a Father Time-like character who rules over Underland.

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Time -

Time does not actually appear in Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ books, but is mentioned by The Mad Hatter in one chapter.

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Abbie Hoffman -

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Abbie Hoffman -

Baron Cohen himself picked up a Best Supporting Actor nod for his role as Hoffman, who in addition to being one of the Chicago Seven, was also a leading proponent of the Flower Power movement.

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Borat and beyond: Sacha Baron Cohen’s craziest characters

The funnyman turns 51 today

13/10/22 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Retrospective

Sacha Baron Cohen is a controversial star, to say the least. Gaining worldwide recognition with his 2006 film 'Borat,' the comedic actor returned with a sequel, 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' (2020), which actually picked up a few Oscar nominations. And if that weren't enough, Baron Cohen was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Aaron Sorkin's 'The Trial of the Chicago 7.'

Want more Baron Cohen? Well, whether you know this mega talented man from 'Borat' or 'Da Ali G Show,' let's take a trip through all of the comedian's past characters with this gallery.