Sacha Baron Cohen Reveals the Wildest Career Mistake He Ever Made

Sacha Baron Cohen once revealed one of the wildest moments he regrets in his career during a Reddit AMA promoting his 2016 film The Brothers Grimsby. A fan asked if there was anything he wished he hadn’t done, and Cohen shared a story from his time performing as Bruno.

“There was something that I regret not doing, which was, I was on this Australian late-night talk show, and the talent booker had made a massive mistake,” he said.

Cohen explained that the show had accidentally booked the Prime Minister of Australia at the same time he was scheduled to appear.

At the time, Cohen had a full striptease routine planned as Bruno, including tearaway pants and a g-string. “My intention was to lap dance the Prime Minister of Australia and stick my crotch in his face. It would have been an international incident and probably would have got me barred from Australia,” he said.

However, Cohen admitted he ultimately backed out. “But, unfortunately, I wimped out of doing it and eventually was also barred by his own security,” he added. The show was likely ROVE, an Australian variety program hosted by comedian Rove McManus that ran from 1999 to 2009. At the time, Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister, but Cohen and Rudd never appeared on-screen together.

Cohen’s story highlights the extreme and sometimes risky stunts he has planned during his career. Even when he doesn’t go through with them, the ideas themselves are shocking enough to leave a lasting impression.

This story shows just how daring Cohen has been in his comedy. It’s crazy to think about what could have happened if he had gone through with it. Do you think Cohen should have gone for the stunt, or was it wise to back out? Share your thoughts in the comments.