Sacha Baron Cohen on the Dangers of Playing Ali G and Brüno | Late Night with Conan O’Brien

(Original Airdate: 9/15/05) Sacha Baron Cohen discusses the exploits of his characters Ali G and Brüno.
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Running from 1993-2009, Late Night with Conan O’Brien is one of the most beloved late night shows in television history. Known for its absurdist humor, hilarious celebrity interviews and featuring the best stand-up comedians and musical acts of the ‘90s and early 2000s. Hosted by Conan O’Brien alongside sidekick Andy Richter and house band Max Weinberg and the Max Weinberg 7, Late Night with Conan O’Brien featured unforgettable segments like “If They Mated”, “In the Year 2000”, “Desk Drive”, and made a breakout star of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

[@GodLovesComics]

Sacha is a genius, but one endowed with the bravery of a stuntman.

[@Grandizer8989]

Well said

[@hillelbuchsbaum6965]

But in this context, Sacha was not the one endowed

[@shelleyt4113]

Endowed 🫣

[@alexandrakraus9399]

He is absolutely committed to the bit. I like that rather than “has no shame”

[@joebauers3746]

He is also in favor of censorship...the #1 tool of cowardice.

[@bellperson]

He is an absolute genius, no doubt. Utmost talent. He can play any role...such as , Netflix mini series , the spy...

[@Viajero69]

He provided an Oscar worthy performance in The Spy! Totally blew me away to see the range of talent he has.

[@bellperson]

@Viajero69 absolutely %100 agree

[@marcanthonybasha8447]

OMG the spy is the best series I ever seen. Any recommendations like it guys?

[@Qwerty.240]

​@@marcanthonybasha8447you may like "Tehran" another israeli spy series

[@iherduluvlawngdich]

​@@Viajero69I thought this was a joke about that Ali G episode where he makes his own home movie like James Bond and pitches it to people lol

[@strats991]

"He punched him with his fist, yeah..." Best tag ever to a funny story. LOL!

[@PappyMandarine]

didn't get why that part made everybody laugh?

[@mike-gn1wi]

@@PappyMandarinehe punched him with his fist as opposed to his… you know

[@PappyMandarine]

@@mike-gn1wi Just rewatched the clip and now it made sense! Thanks, mate!

[@BAGAKOOS]

Sachs’s in character appearances on talk shows and the way he promotes his characters are the best. His Borat appearance on Conan is legendary! I swear, Sacha Baron Cohen and Nathan Fielder are the kings of this type of humour!

[@lukegale7973]

For sure. Both raised under the ideology of Judaism. Is it Judaism that brings out such unashamed and remorseless genius?

[@11Shade11]

​@@lukegale7973must be that + having the exact same dick girth (maximum possible)

[@blakeada999]

Yes. Being born a Jew is being born into primordial category that transcends ideology. Regardless of how little a Jew knows about Judaism, they remain as Jewish as any Jew ever was or will be. They can try to convert to different religions or ideologies, but they will forever remain fundamentally a Jew. They have a Jewish mother and their essence is to connect to the One above through Torah and mitzvot.-consciously or unconsciously. That part is not a choice. What is a choice is how a person will live: their willingness to respect their conscience and the truth, and to speak the truth to their heart, acting on it.

[@TheAnonyy]

​@@blakeada999it's their choice what they are not yours

[@jamalhellboydicaprio9790]

A tribe known for constant lying, tied to any truth? Okay.@@blakeada999

[@slimer1984]

Sacha Baron Cohen is so fucking funny. All the characters he does really have a life of their own

[@alexandrat5075]

He is so good at his characters, you almost forget how incredibly attractive he is.

[@hristoskase6606]

Absolutely! Nevertheless, I happened to watch some Borat during lockdown and my mom, who had joined that party of one, instantly fell in love with him like crazy.

[@gatonegro187]

jew

[@marraine7299]

He really is cute.

[@lokilaufeyson8683]

@@gatonegro187 real

[@theepisofdiabolos-dj5xh]

@@gatonegro187 what?

[@RayHzClips]

This is my first time I heard his real voice. Still feel quite unusual, usually heard him in Ali G, Borat, and Aladeen 😂

[@westie430]

lol same😂 sadly I had no idea he was British 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@differentfins]

Down forget Jaques Girard (Talladega Nights).

[@wolfspledge1762]

@@westie430he leans into heavy british comedy, it should've been obvious tbh

[@westie430]

@@wolfspledge1762 there’s no reason for it to be obvious. With all the different accents he uses, he could have been from anywhere & no one would know.

[@wolfspledge1762]

@@westie430 it's more the style of comedy, it's very British, philomena cunk is similar

[@wamrainc176]

My whole life I’ve been hearing that geniuses, and I mean true geniuses are mad men and women. And this man is a living proof

[@hanswurscht327]

cringe

[@palmeristo]

​@@hanswurscht327showing admiration is cringe?

[@La-ld9mn]

genius is cringe @@palmeristo

[@turolretar]

impossible, their brain is size of squirrel

[@2spliffs41lifetime]

is that all zoomers can say?@@hanswurscht327

[@pkgamma]

It's amazing how HD these older footages are, the beauty of analog tapes!

[@ntl9974]

Better than current digital?

[@pkgamma]

oh hey it's myself! back watching the same clip again lol youtube be so big yet so smol at the same time

[@victorpark]

Conan went to Harvard, Sacha went to Oxford !!! They both do brilliant comedy !

[@xzbtier]

Sacha's work is stunning. Still, even with this popularity in place, his work is underrated. I have no doubt that the right appreciation of his work in exploring society's flaws will be recognized in years to come.

[@xzxxx-km4vy]

You all laugh and praise him, but you should understand what this scumbag did to film Borat. Go watch the aftermath of the poor villagers, how they were tricked into thinking they were filming a documentary, how they got absolutely no money from it while he made millions at their expense, all the absurds things he said about them during the movie that they had no idea about. They welcomed him with open arms in a very small village community, no different than the ones inside America where there is this small group of people and they will recieve you with all the hospitality. This guy traveled to Europe and abused that privilege, he preyed on a group of people that barely has enough money to get by

[@motorhead48067]

@@xzxxx-km4vyIt was all good fun mate no one is taking his depiction of Kazakhstan or those villagers seriously.

[@xzxxx-km4vy]

@@motorhead48067 That's not the point though, go see the aftermath and how he got filthy rich and they got nothing all at their expense

[@leemur9]

​@xzxxx-km4vy That makes it so much funnier

[@xzxxx-km4vy]

@@leemur9 Hehehe you're so edgy bro bro it's so cool and edgy to be a sht human being until life slaps us back bro bro. Add me bro bro we can maybe play some fortnite?

[@stellita884]

I never realised he’s so good looking. He’s always dressed up in some random way.

[@wernerfels7584]

Thanks bot

[@ntl9974]

Never realized you're so good looking until just now

[@jameslear2938]

Very under rated actor, can play so many parts so easier and can sing!

[@bsvenss2]

Underrated with a net worth of $160 million? Angelina Jolie has a net worth of $120 million.

[@jordanhtiffirg1990]

​@@bsvenss2not financially underrated.

[@charlymrivera7236]

@@bsvenss2 under rated in term of world wide famous, sinces is more likely for people around the world to recognize angelina jolie than sacha baron cohen

[@jameshickey1294]

The word genius is overly used at times but Sacha is truly an iconic comedic genius with a dictionary like no one else -- truly amazing man an hope Hollywood doesn't change him - 🤝sb

[@hristoskase6606]

Even if Hollywood were to change him, it doesn't matter. He's done so much in his original style

[@derekbos4404]

Calmly says "There's been a couple of riots" 😂

[@UndrwearBomber]

Sacha is awesome. For me personally, I still think his best performance was as the "Station Inspector" in the movie Hugo. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor. It's great!

[@ecarloscastillo9691]

He was awesome in there, wasn't He? I was very surprised with his performamce. I really love that film

[@danogunner]

Closely rivalled by his role in le mis

[@RamBihade3]

Spy on Netflix

[@magicalpodium]

This is one star that moves me. A creative genius that has enough charisma and charm…

[@jeebleswatch3785]

Love you Conan! It's always a good day when a new Late Night clip releases!

[@theengineerguy1485]

This is the best clarity I've seen in a video

[@billyjoe3309]

He's a true legend!

[@babyrabies]

i like how Ali G impersonates Sacha. That's high risks comic right there.

[@iamthe1whowillbringpeace316]

Love this guy. He is just brilliant and love his acting

[@HeisenMannj]

Erran Morrad from Who is America is his best character , I can't stop laughing at every scene he is in.

[@wolfie854]

I've never heard him speak out of character. What a pleasure to hear his own voice. Real London accent.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

Sasha is so funny hes makes me cry from laughing so much...haha

[@lupreztryson]

One of the all time greats.

[@perpetual_bias]

RELEASE THEM ALLLLLLL

[@allenzillmer1917]

Watched every one of his movies multiple times. Cracks me up!

[@Tone2K]

I wish the whole world had amnesia so I could enjoy his brilliant shows again.

[@SpaceMissile]

for real.

[@Budhudnut-ol2yc]

@Tone2K The world would have to have amnesia these days to forget what this man really stands for.

[@sgordon8123]

The serious drama The Spy was the best thing Sacha has done.

[@tds7078]

This is great timing, I've been back on my Ali G and Bruno kick. Favorite characters from Sasha. Also, "He punched him with his fist..." lmaooo

[@kdownes7496]

Same been rewatching all of da Ali g shows comedy back then was top tier and sacha baron cohen is one of my favourite actors so underrated

[@jeffcarpenter9292]

In all of my years of trawling KZbin for Wicked riffs, this is the first / only time I’ve seen a comparison video for this “solo” riff. Amazing. Five stars. 🏆

[@bennyfactor]

One of the best suit-tie combos Conan ever wore.

[@zebra5526]

More Sacha please 🥺🥺🥺

[@cierrablue]

I've gotta watch that again. Ali G was hilarious.

[@SoniaHJtarot]

Omg it's so nice to come across this. Absolutely love him in Ali G. He's so funny lol

[@davidreid2301]

I truly believe that Sasha is the best actor on the planet!

[@Moose__Juice]

good video dude x

[@NunYaBiz404]

Pay attention to his middle fingers when he makes that G. Ali impression 😅

[@instapowah]

I watched Brüno again this year. And my god how I laughed. Imagine that movie being made now...🤣

[@SpaceMissile]

i may have to re-watch it now

[@pce12345]

It's hilarious 😂 reminds me to watch again 😂

[@sunmoonstars0369]

I watch the clips on KZbin when I'm depressed to get me laughing again.

[@barbarachieppo9603]

He is so handsome❤

[@wickedawesomeo]

The amount of raw laughs he gets at 4:25 just shows his brilliance!

[@San-cs6lk]

This show is literally only laughs, what's your point?

[@ar007r]

@@San-cs6lk Its also from 18 years ago lol

[@ar007r]

@@notfunny007 how is that possible the show ran from 1993-2009

[@notfunny007]

@@ar007r You're right, I'll delete my commenr

[@ar007r]

@@notfunny007 you dont need to, no one cares. its not a big deal

[@googlestinx]

I came here straight from Borat on Conan, and the change is incredible. Almost 2 different men

[@Dsbarrynl]

Awww i wanted to see the rest too!

[@DeputyBurbank]

Haven’t hand any recent films form him. Nothing even seems to be in the works. Too bad. Love this guy.

[@hitcherooney]

I know him first in Borat so holy shit he actually has an English accent

[@Setayesh.Sohrabi]

His voice_______>>>>>>>

[@RT-eb6vo]

I'm glad he's on our side :)

[@slowlyhd8007]

Absolute legend

[@shawncrawford5683]

I was interviewed by him 20 years ago, he is good at his craft.

[@sca8217]

The abortion protester guy?

[@shawncrawford5683]

@@sca8217 nope, keep looking. Season one.

[@shawncrawford5683]

Sorry season 3.

[@DopeBoyDreamz]

@@shawncrawford5683season 3 of what show??

[@shawncrawford5683]

@@DopeBoyDreamz the Ali G show.

[@sergioalejandrorubioflores8905]

Cams r always Rolling 🤳

[@nickunderwood6175]

Fantastic ❤😂

[@winnielai7455]

Love Sach’s work

[@winnielai7455]

@sachabaroncohenoffc Australia

[@davidvincent9545]

Punching with his fist 😂😂😂

[@HERESJOHNNY-ek4wk]

I would love to have a beer with this guy 😂

[@Spirit-dg5xi]

Murica is so generous to Sacha's comedy

[@jbortega1178]

Dude was doin the rub a chub. 😂

[@CyprusSunLoverShe]

He is so handsome

[@CastlesForEyes]

His characters were best on the TV shows, especially Borat, where he played him in a more innocent way and not just outright crude

[@lizlesbian660]

Its too bad he wasnt able to the voice of julien in the tv shows?

[@sherminator1617]

I really love Sasha and i think that Bruno is his best movie.. Bust its hard for him to make an Bruno 2 since we all know who he is. Hope he can develop another character and give us anohter classic with alot of laughs. The world needs that now. You can do it Sasha

[@LMB222]

Have you not seen the newest series, where he proposed a mosque in Arizona? Respect to bring, Borat and Ali G, but that Arizona prank - and the entire season - is simply beyond.

[@faisalmohamed7125]

The original troller 😂😂😂

[@XENUGOLFCLUB]

Conan is so funny that despite the plethora of opportunities to come back with a great line he just laughs/asks bland questions.

[@elimaurer9491]

I bought Ali G bootleg DVDs of his channel 4 episodes in Chinatown in '02. I then declared that this is how I will go about my life - Making people confused and make them admit they are willing to go along with prejudicial and racial thoughts just to agree with a narrative. HAHAHA. He's a true artist

[@tomik6537]

redditor

[@Alchemerrific]

He gave a speech as Ali G during Harvard's Class Day ceremonies in 2004

[@elimaurer9491]

@@Alchemerrific oh yeah with that maroon tracksuit? I have no clue how that ever was allowable. That was unreal that we could speak freely back then.

[@bulletprooftiger1879]

@@elimaurer9491 the kids probably booked him as Sasha Baron Cohen for the administration knowing he'd play Ali G.

[@elimaurer9491]

@@bulletprooftiger1879 That's true, and looking out at that crowd was like looking into a different century, it almost looked like the graduation ceremony in son-in-law with Pauly shore.

[@naomituson.7637]

You looking good .Thanks.x

[@aksel5738]

HE'S BRITISH????

[@optimisdick5362]

He's also a Jew.

[@benoitbourdaire4194]

Yes and Oxford educated

[@FannyShmellar]

Obviously. He’s a comedic genius. You don’t have those in America

[@laurie7308]

😂

[@Irv502]

no, he’s from Kazakhstan

[@Crossbow123]

Where is the second part?

[@bkcalvine]

This is so wild that it's almost 20 years ago.

[@saraeastman40]

Sacha is incredibly attractive

[@jan_vyhnak]

"he punched him with his fist" thanks for clarification

[@campfireeverything]

I can't wait for an interviewer to finally stop talking over this living legend.

[@mahiganti]

Very nice! No dangers for playing Borat, yes!

[@LawnDart98k]

I hope Sacha lives forever

[@convikt8817]

he holds his hands in a westside sign even on conan

[@and11rew09]

Legend . Need him back . All those offended don’t watch . Don’t spoil for those who like

[@juanitaleak6482]

Absolute LEGEND I ❤Him

[@TheStrayCat077]

legend can't believe he's 51 now, id marry a guy like him in a heartbeat

[@alukuhito]

I don't think he cares about getting married.

[@palo918]

​@@alukuhitoi live in the villa on palm jumeirah just opposite to the one he is renting whenever he has a gay get together or whatever it is. I only know it is man on man action, I have to remove my kids from the scene. He doesnt even care if they are paddle boarding. He is a pervert duck

[@ar007r]

@@alukuhito Are you a bot? Im seeing all these idiotic comments. He is married ti Isla fisher

[@alukuhito]

Are YOU a bot? Well, duh, he's married. That's why he doesn't care about getting married. @@ar007r

[@chango_wero]

Sacha is a legend

[@faradillaramadhita1782]

Over so many years with his disguised characters, Sacha Baron Cohen knows about being funny and goofy, has a fiancee is Australian actress Isla Fisher.

[@JKa244]

I suddenly want to see Cohen and Fred Armisen in a buddy cop movie of some kind

[@Camorockers.]

The funniest thing to me was dr. Kent hovind is one of those dudes are he's interviewing when I used to watch him growing up all the time.. it was hilarious to me watching him deal with this but he also had no clue that it was fake and for comedy.

[@zibberebbiz]

the face he got Dick Cheney THIS YEAR and really really made him say outrageous things is just incredible

[@djcoinlaundry]

Well 2019 4 years ago

[@alukuhito]

Who?

[@djcoinlaundry]

@@alukuhito dick cheney

[@Artey86]

my hero

[@pollynkirote9097]

The dictator 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Alison burgers 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@omarben-hariz6836]

Sacha and Russel brand together has to happen!

[@kappla]

Amazing!

[@Moekoffee2001]

Ali G’s spot on!

[@danasams3539]

Sacha....please come back with a movie. I need some damn humor in my life.

[@P00-xq2ov]

2:07 🤣🤣🤣

[@petermullen5479]

Genius!!!❤❤❤❤

[@TheFlint66]

great, love ali g still piss myself laughing when watching clips on youtube

[@lavawingsplays1627]

Legend

[@lkrnpk]

Conan should have said that he was a huge fannies of Cohen :D

[@user-el1lh1xw5v]

Like him so much❤

[@J_bloemfontein]

Agreed

[@bingonamo7520]

Some famous people have openly said Sacha is weird in real life, but they didn't say what they meant. Jonathan Ross was one person that said that.

[@cienciadedados]

This guy is so smart I wish he would give cancer research a try.

[@SpaceMissile]

man, i was skimming and read "this guy should give cancer a try" and i was like "damn, bro"

[@jaxsun72]

Well at least we'll always have the clips from the show. Won't happen with podcasts.

[@blcredman4140]

This guy is genius and crazy

[@MackemdownsouthF.T.M]

Ali G and the late Tony Benn was so funny to watch

[@familycarcrash]

5:20 🤣

[@peterthornton2396]

I miss him from my childhood. Wonder where his Renault 5 is