Early Life and Education of Sacha Baron Cohen: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Sacha Baron Cohen, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Sacha Noam Baron Cohen is an English actor, comedian, and performance artist celebrated for creating and portraying satirical characters such as Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, Brüno Gehard, and Admiral General Aladeen. He has received numerous awards, including two BAFTA TV Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a SAG Award. Additionally, he's been nominated for three Academy Awards and six Primetime Emmy Awards, recognizing his contributions to film and television.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1932: Father's Birth

In 1932, Sacha Baron Cohen's father, Gerald "Jerry" Baron Cohen, was born in London into a Belarusian Ashkenazi Jewish family. He was an editor-turned-clothing store owner.

1936: Maternal Grandmother Fled Nazis

In 1936, Sacha Baron Cohen's maternal grandmother, Liesel (née Levi), fled the Nazis. She had lived in Haifa and trained as a ballet dancer in Germany.

1939: Mother's Birth

In 1939, Sacha Baron Cohen's mother, Daniella (née Weiser), was born in British Mandatory Palestine. She is a photographer.

October 1971: Sacha Noam Baron Cohen Born

In October 1971, Sacha Noam Baron Cohen was born in Hammersmith, London, into a British Ashkenazi Jewish family.

1993: Graduation from Cambridge

In 1993, Sacha Baron Cohen graduated from Christ's College, Cambridge with upper-second-class honors, having studied history with a focus on antisemitism.

2004: Engaged to Isla Fisher

In 2004, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher became engaged, solidifying their commitment to each other.

2007: Birth of first daughter

In 2007, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher welcomed the birth of their first daughter, expanding their family.

March 2010: Married Isla Fisher

On March 15, 2010, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher were married in a Jewish ceremony held in Milan and Paris.

2010: Birth of second daughter

In 2010, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher welcomed the birth of their second daughter.

December 2015: Donation to Save the Children and IRC

On 28 December 2015, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher donated £335,000 ($500,000) to Save the Children for vaccinating children in northern Syria and the same amount to the International Rescue Committee for Syrian refugees.

2015: Birth of son

In 2015, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher had their son, adding to their growing family.

2016: Father's Death

In 2016, Sacha Baron Cohen's father, Gerald "Jerry" Baron Cohen, passed away.

May 2018: Jason Spencer's Primary Loss

In May 2018, Jason Spencer, a Republican state representative from Georgia, lost his primary election to Steven Sainz after an episode of Who is America? aired showing Spencer engaging in controversial behavior.

July 2018: Jason Spencer Resigns

In July 2018, Jason Spencer resigned from his position as a state representative after controversy surrounding his appearance on Sacha Baron Cohen's show.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Efforts

In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher partnered with Marc Benioff to send PPE to National Health Service workers in the UK.

August 2023: March on Washington Anniversary Speech

In August 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen spoke alongside Martin Luther King III and Al Sharpton at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

October 2023: Call Out of WGA Leaders

In October 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen was among the members of the Writers Guild of America that called out its guild leaders for not speaking in support of Israel during the Gaza war.

November 2023: Challenge to TikTok Executives

In November 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen was among creators and celebrities who challenged TikTok executives on content moderation and safety of Jewish users during the Gaza war.

2023: Filed for divorce

At the end of 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher filed for divorce, marking the end of their marriage.

2023: Open Letter on Hostages

In 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen signed an open letter to President Biden calling for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas.

April 2024: Divorce announcement

On April 5, 2024, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher jointly revealed that they had filed for divorce at the end of 2023.

October 2024: Donation for Sudan Crisis

In October 2024, Sacha Baron Cohen donated $500,000 to Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee to support their work in tackling a displacement crisis and famine in Sudan.