Renowned Clown Teacher Philippe Gaulier Dies at 82

The French performer and instructor shaped generations of comedic stars with his demanding teaching methods.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Philippe Gaulier, a renowned French teacher who trained many famous comedic actors and performers, has died at the age of 82 from complications of a lung infection. Gaulier built a career tormenting would-be clowns and comedians with his demanding teaching methods, but his students, which included Sacha Baron Cohen, Emma Thompson, Rachel Weisz, and Helena Bonham Carter, flocked to him for his expertise.

Why it matters

Gaulier's impact on the entertainment industry was immense, as he helped shape the careers of many iconic comedic performers through his unique and challenging approach to teaching clowning and physical comedy. His death marks the end of an era for a generation of actors and entertainers who learned from his tutelage.

The details

After an unsuccessful early stint as a tragic actor, Gaulier trained under famed mime Jacques Lecoq before founding his own École Philippe Gaulier in 1980. His classes covered everything from Greek tragedy to Chekhov, but his legendary reputation was forged in clowning, where he would torment and challenge his students with demanding methods.

  • Philippe Gaulier died on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • Gaulier founded his École Philippe Gaulier in 1980.

The players

Philippe Gaulier

A French performer and instructor who built a career training many famous comedic actors and performers with his demanding teaching methods.

Jacques Lecoq

A famed mime artist whom Gaulier trained under before founding his own school.

Sacha Baron Cohen

A comedic actor and performer who was trained by Gaulier.

Emma Thompson

A comedic actress and performer who was trained by Gaulier.

Rachel Weisz

A comedic actress and performer who was trained by Gaulier.

Helena Bonham Carter

A comedic actress and performer who was trained by Gaulier.

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The takeaway

Gaulier's death marks the end of an era for a generation of actors and entertainers who learned from his tutelage and went on to become some of the most renowned comedic performers of their time. His demanding teaching methods and unique approach to clowning and physical comedy left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.