Étampes, France — Philippe Gaulier, an acclaimed clown and influential figure in the world of theatre, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for founding the École Philippe Gaulier, Gaulier was a mentor to numerous successful performers, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Emma Thompson, and Rachel Weisz. His unique approach to teaching has left an indelible mark on comedy and acting.

Gaulier’s family announced that he died on Monday due to complications from a lung infection. Following a stroke in 2023, he had received an outpouring of support from students and admirers worldwide. The family noted that Gaulier took particular joy from the messages he received from former students, reflecting his deep passion for teaching and mentorship.

Baron Cohen expressed his gratitude for Gaulier’s role in his life, stating that without their encounter, he might have pursued a more conventional path. “He believed in me and pushed me,” Baron Cohen said, emphasizing how Gaulier equipped him with essential skills that have influenced his career profoundly.

Recognized for his brutally honest teaching style, Gaulier began his school in 1980 after studying under the renowned Jacques Lecoq. At École Philippe Gaulier, he focused on helping performers discover their authentic selves, famously telling students to “find your idiot.” Newcomers were often required to wear red clown noses, a practice Gaulier believed helped unveil the students’ inner child.

His classes were notoriously rigorous, and he was known for providing candid feedback. Many students described enduring tough moments in Gaulier’s classroom, with comedian Phil Burgers, who performs as Doctor Brown, recalling that the pressure forced a personal breakthrough within him. Graduates of Gaulier’s school have gone on to thrive at various comedy festivals around the world.

Born in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1943, Gaulier initially trained as a dramatic actor. His experiences on stage, often filled with unintended laughter from audiences even in serious roles, led him to study with Lecoq. This training paved the way for Gaulier’s unique comic style, known as bouffon, which he taught alongside broader clowning techniques.

Helena Bonham Carter and Rachel Weisz are among those who have publicly acknowledged the impact Gaulier had on their craft. Weisz noted that her experience at the school informed her performance in “The Lobster,” while Bonham Carter called him a man of humor and pathos.

In addition to clowning, Gaulier taught a wide array of theatrical disciplines, including Greek tragedy and Shakespeare. He described his role as a guide, allowing students to take theatrical techniques and adapt them to their own unique styles.

Over the years, Gaulier influenced a diverse range of talent, from Simon McBurney of the theatre company Complicité to U.S. actress Julia Garner. Even after suffering his stroke, he continued to guide the next generation through his former students, who now uphold his teachings and philosophy.

Gaulier is survived by his wife, Michiko Miyazaki Gaulier, who continues to manage the day-to-day operations at École Philippe Gaulier, ensuring that his legacy persists in the theatrical world he transformed.