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 and comedian renowned for his satirical characters like Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, Brüno Gehard, and Admiral General Aladeen. His work has garnered critical acclaim, including two BAFTA TV Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a SAG Award. He has also been nominated for three Academy Awards and six Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in comedy and entertainment.

Sections (5)

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

1932: Father Gerald Born

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

1936: Maternal Grandmother Fled Nazis

In 1936, Baron Cohen's maternal grandmother, Liesel (née Levi), fled the Nazis while training as a ballet dancer in Germany.

1939: Mother Daniella Born

In 1939, Baron Cohen's mother, photographer Daniella (née Weiser), was born in British Mandatory Palestine to German Jewish parents.

October 1971: Born in London

In October 1971, Sacha Noam Baron Cohen was born in the Hammersmith area of London to an English Ashkenazi Jewish family.

October 1971: Sacha Noam Baron Cohen Born

On October 1971, Sacha Noam Baron Cohen was born in London, England, to Daniella (née Weiser), a photographer, and Gerald "Jerry" Baron Cohen, a clothing store owner.

1993: Graduated from Christ's College, Cambridge

In 1993, Baron Cohen graduated from Christ's College, Cambridge, with upper-second-class honors in history, focusing on antisemitism.

November 2006: Skater vs. Instigator

Sports Illustrated's November 6, 2006 issue contained a column called "Skater vs. Instigator", illustrating parallels between Sacha Baron Cohen and figure skater Sasha Cohen.

March 2010: Baron Cohen marries Isla Fisher

On 15 March 2010, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher were married in a Jewish ceremony in Milan and Paris. Fisher had converted to Judaism prior to the marriage.

April 2010: Ayman Abu Aita files lawsuit against Baron Cohen

In April 2010, Ayman Abu Aita, a Palestinian Christian grocer, filed a lawsuit against Sacha Baron Cohen for defamation. This was due to his portrayal in the film Brüno as a member of Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Abu Aita claimed he was falsely accused of being a "terrorist".

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September 2012: Defamation claim settled out of court

In September 2012, the defamation claim filed by Ayman Abu Aita against Sacha Baron Cohen was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, resolving the dispute that originated from Cohen's portrayal of Abu Aita in the movie Brüno.

December 2015: Donation to Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee

On December 28, 2015, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher donated £335,000 to Save the Children and the same amount to the International Rescue Committee to help Syrian refugees.

May 2018: Jason Spencer loses primary election

In May 2018, Jason Spencer, a Republican state representative, lost his primary election to Steven Sainz, a political novice, after an episode where he was taught by Sacha Baron Cohen's character how to repel terrorists aired.

July 2018: Jason Spencer resigns

On July 31, 2018, Jason Spencer resigned from his position as a state representative after initially refusing to step down following an episode where he was taught by a Sacha Baron Cohen character how to repel terrorists.

2020: Donation of PPE to NHS workers

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

July 2021: Roy Moore's lawsuit dismissed

On 13 July 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the $95 million lawsuit filed by Roy Moore against Sacha Baron Cohen. The lawsuit related to a mock interview in Who is America? and allegations of paedophilia, but the court found that Moore had signed a consent agreement barring his claims.

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July 2022: Baron Cohen defeats Roy Moore's lawsuit

On 8 July 2022, Sacha Baron Cohen won against the lawsuit filed by Roy Moore. This legal victory concluded the dispute arising from Cohen's mock interview with Moore on "Who is America?" and the subsequent allegations.

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August 2023: Speech at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington

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: Criticism 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 war in Gaza.

November 2023: Challenging TikTok executives

In November 2023, Sacha Baron Cohen was among more than a dozen creators and celebrities who challenged TikTok executives on the subject of content moderation and the safety of Jewish users amidst the early stages of the Gaza war.

2023: Open letter to President Biden

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

April 2024: Baron Cohen and Fisher announce divorce filing

On 5 April 2024, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher jointly announced that they had filed for divorce at the end of 2023, marking the end of their long-term relationship.

October 2024: Donation to Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee

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

June 2025: Baron Cohen and Fisher finalize divorce

On 13 June 2025, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher announced the finalization of their divorce, stating that they remain friends despite the end of their marriage.