Philippe Gaulier, clown guru and mentor to theatre and comedy greats, dies aged 82

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dee JeffersonFebruary 10, 2026 at 11:18 AM
Philippe Gaulier, clown guru and mentor to theatre and comedy greats, dies aged 82

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Philippe Gaulier, the influential French clown teacher and founder of École Philippe Gaulier, died at age 82 due to complications from a lung infection. Gaulier, who taught the art of clowning for decades, mentored numerous successful actors and comedians, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson. He founded his school in 1980 near Paris after studying under Jacques Lecoq, admitting students without auditions and encouraging them to embrace their inner "idiot." Gaulier was known for his brutally honest teaching style, which pushed students to break through their inhibitions. His school produced many performers who achieved success at comedy festivals. Gaulier also performed in a comic style known as bouffon.

Keywords

philippe gaulier 100% clown guru 90% clowning 80% école philippe gaulier 70% teaching style 60% jacques lecoq 50% bouffon 40% comedy 40%

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The Guardian - World News
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Center-Left (-0.40)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
Classification Confidence
90%
Geographic Perspective
France

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