Sacha Baron Cohen Says He Admired ‘Incredible’ Robin Williams’ Ability to ‘Make You Laugh and Then Make You Cry’

Sacha Baron Cohen, the acclaimed British filmmaker and comedian, recently opened up about his admiration for notable figures in Hollywood during a discussion with Josh Horowitz at 92NY. The star of films such as “Borat” and “Bruno” named legendary actors Dustin Hoffman and the late Robin Williams as two individuals whose performances deeply resonated with him.

Reflecting on Hoffman’s iconic role in “Kramer vs. Kramer,” Cohen shared how the film moved him profoundly. He recounted the first experience of viewing the film, remarking, “I think Kramer vs. Kramer. First time I saw that, man, I was crying.” This emotional reaction, he noted, was particularly significant as he was dating someone whose parents were divorced at the time, helping him to understand the complexities of family dynamics. “I saw it again recently and, oh Jesus, Dustin Hoffman, what an incredible actor,” he added, lauding Hoffman’s talent and the genuine emotion that permeates his performance.

Cohen’s appreciation did not stop with Hoffman. He continued to express his admiration for Robin Williams, recognising the late comedian’s unique ability to blend humour with heartfelt emotion. “That ability to make you laugh and then make you cry, that was something that I found so inspiring,” he stated, encapsulating the profound impact both actors have had on his creative outlook. While Cohen did not specify a particular film as his favourite from Williams’ portfolio, the actor’s impressive body of work includes classics such as “Good Will Hunting,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and the animated hit “Aladdin.”

Williams’ tragic death by suicide in 2014 at the age of 63 has intensified the conversation around mental health and the challenges faced by comedians, a topic Cohen is evidently passionate about. His acknowledgment of Williams’ legacy reflects a deeper understanding of the dualities present in the lives of performers, making their portrayals all the more relatable and poignant.

The discussion took place just days before the release of Cohen’s new film, “Ali G: Who Iz I?”, which had its theatrical debut on 23rd October. In this film, Cohen returns to his roots, reviving the character of Ali G, a provocative persona he first introduced in the late 1990s on Channel 4’s “The 11 O’Clock Show.” The character later evolved into the central figure of “Da Ali G Show” and the feature film “Ali G Indahouse.”

Cohen has faced criticism regarding the character’s relevance in today’s socio-political climate. In a recent essay for Time, he defended his decision to resurrect Ali G, claiming that the issues the character highlights remain prevalent. “The fact that Ali G is outdated and problematic is the very reason I resurrected him,” Cohen wrote, illustrating the notion that the societal prejudices his characters are designed to confront have not only persisted but have arguably worsened in the last two decades.

Furthermore, Cohen’s multifaceted role in “Ali G: Who Iz I?”—as co-writer, director, producer, and star—demonstrates his commitment to exploring critical themes through the lens of satire. He aims to challenge the viewer’s notion of comedy while holding a mirror up to society, prompting reflections on identity and cultural prejudices.

As Cohen prepares for the film’s release, he remains buoyed by the legacy of those who inspired him, drawing on the emotionality and depth brought forth by actors like Hoffman and Williams. It’s clear that their influence shapes not only his work but also his perspective on the power of storytelling in eliciting genuine human emotion.

In these times of heightened awareness around mental health and social issues, Cohen’s efforts to channel the spirit of his influences into his comedic work serve both to entertain and provoke thought. As audiences gear up for the release of “Ali G: Who Iz I?”, they can only await with anticipation how such inspirations will manifest in his latest character portrayal.