Philippe Gaulier, the French clown, dramatist, and theatre professor who founded the École Philippe Gaulier, died Feb. 9, 2026, from complications following a lung infection. He was 82.
Gaulier opened his theatre school in Étampes, outside Paris, after training under Jean Vilar and Alain Cuny at Théâtre National Populaire. He later served as an instructor at L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq before developing his own curriculum. His instruction often utilized a terrifying style where he mocked and insulted students to help them "find your idiot," a philosophy he documented in his book The Tormentor (Le Gégèneur).
These methods attracted students who would become international stars, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush. Cohen specifically cited the teacher for helping him understand the mechanics of comedy. Gaulier also performed in the clown and bouffon genres and directed plays that informed the creation of British ensembles like the Théâtre de Complicité.
After suffering a stroke in 2023, the professor retired from full-time teaching duties. His family stated that he spent his final years reading letters and messages sent by his former pupils.