Sacha Baron Cohen discusses his undercover comedy and iconic characters

Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his characters Ali G, Borat, and Bruno, has developed a unique style of undercover comedy aimed at making audiences both laugh and think, CBS News reported. Over decades, he has used these personas to engage with real people and expose their genuine thoughts and feelings.

Baron Cohen's first major character was Ali G, a satirical hip-hop enthusiast who debuted in 1998 and later appeared in an HBO series and a feature film, according to CBS News. The character evolved from an earlier version called MC Jocelyn Cheadle-Hume, which Baron Cohen tested on London skateboarders before refining it into Ali G.

The actor describes his comedy as a complex and sometimes risky endeavor that combines intellectual goals with adrenaline-fueled performances. He has been performing undercover comedy for over half his life, sometimes requiring elaborate escapes from the situations he creates, CBS News noted.

Baron Cohen shared that his parents initially hoped he would become a lawyer, but he pursued comedy instead, despite feeling embarrassed to admit it early on. His goal was to create a classic comedy, which he felt he achieved with Borat, with any further work being additional success.

He explained that the humor in Ali G comes from the contrast between the character's foolishness and the serious experts he interviews, creating a comedic juxtaposition that resonates with audiences, CBS News reported.