The world of theatre and comedy is mourning the loss of a true visionary, Philippe Gaulier, a legendary clown and mentor who has passed away at the age of 82. Gaulier, the esteemed founder of France's renowned École Philippe Gaulier, dedicated decades to shaping the talents of some of the most celebrated performers of our time. His influence can be seen in the work of stars like Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Rachel Weisz, and Geoffrey Rush, all of whom honed their craft under his tutelage.
Gaulier's journey came to an end on Monday, succumbing to complications arising from a lung infection. This follows a stroke he experienced in 2023, a period during which his family noted he was deeply touched by the "warm words of encouragement from all over the world." He particularly cherished messages from his former students, a testament to his profound passion and life's purpose: teaching.
But here's where it gets controversial: Gaulier was famous for a teaching style that was, to put it mildly, brutally honest. He established his school in 1980, after his own studies with the influential Jacques Lecoq. Located just outside Paris, the school operated on a simple, yet profound, principle: first come, first served, with no auditions. His unique approach encouraged students to "find your idiot," a concept he illustrated by having new students wear red clown noses, believing it helped him see their inner child. And this is the part most people miss: he would often unleash merciless tongue-lashings during classes. Comedian Phil Burgers, known as Doctor Brown, once described his experience as "extreme suffering," but also noted that "once you can handle the insults, something inside you cracks and you can begin." This rigorous method clearly worked, as many of his students went on to achieve significant success at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe.
Born in Paris in 1943 during the Nazi occupation, Gaulier initially trained as a dramatic actor. Yet, he discovered a curious phenomenon: even in his most tragic roles, audiences couldn't help but laugh. This led him to the teachings of mime artist Jacques Lecoq, where he delved into mask work, improvisation, and the art of clowning.
As a performer, Gaulier was particularly drawn to 'bouffon,' a more satirical and grotesque form of clowning. However, his school embraced a broader spectrum of clowning, nurturing actors like Roberto Benigni. The impact of his teaching is echoed by his students' testimonials. Sacha Baron Cohen famously called him "the funniest man I've ever met," while Helena Bonham Carter described him as "a hilarious man with a real sense of pathos." Rachel Weisz even credited her work with Gaulier for her captivating performance in the film The Lobster.
When the Guardian's comedy critic visited Gaulier's school in 2016, he observed a "grizzled, straggle-haired man who couldn’t look or sound more like a ‘clown guru’ if he tried." Yet, beneath the gruff exterior, he found "humour and warmth behind every blunt statement and volley of abuse."
Gaulier's expertise extended beyond comedy to encompass a wider range of performance, with his school offering courses in Greek tragedy, Shakespeare, Chekhov, melodrama, and masked play. "I teach theatre," he once stated. "You take it and, after, you do whatever you want with it." This philosophy empowered generations of performers, including Simon McBurney, whose acclaimed theatre company Complicité was deeply influenced by Gaulier. Other notable alumni include US actor Julia Garner, Australian actor Eryn Jean Norvill, and Australian comedian Tom Walker.
Though Gaulier retired from full-time teaching after his stroke in 2023, his legacy lives on through his graduates, who continue to teach his philosophy. He is survived by his wife and former student, Michiko Miyazaki Gaulier, who now manages the day-to-day operations of the École Philippe Gaulier.
What do you think about Gaulier's intense teaching methods? Do you believe such demanding approaches are necessary for true artistic growth, or do they cross a line? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
