'Hard launching my mid-life crisis': Sacha Baron Cohen stuns fans with shredded new physique at 53 after finalising $250 million divorce from Aussie actress Isla Fisher

Sky News AU

4 days ago

Sacha Baron Cohen has gone from Borat to gym rat, unveiling a head-turning new physique just weeks after finalising his divorce from Australian actress Isla Fisher.
The 53-year-old comedian and actor surprised fans on Wednesday by revealing his dramatic physical transformation in the August issue of Men's Fitness UK, flaunting defined abs, bulging biceps and a completely smooth chest- worlds away from his famously hirsute alter-ego.
Baron Cohen, who is preparing to play Marvel villain Mephisto in the upcoming Ironheart series, gave fans a cheeky glimpse at the cover via Instagram Stories, writing: "This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this," while posing shirtless and lifting 60kg weights with apparent ease.
In another post featuring his muscular back during a pull-up, he quipped: "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three."
Leaning into his signature satire, the father-of-three added: "Hard launching my mid-life crisis," before introducing a new comedic persona: "Middle-aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes."
In yet another slide, Baron Cohen shared a photo of himself channelling a serious blue steel gaze while sitting on a gym bench, thanking personal trainer Alfonso Moretti for "doing the unthinkable- putting up with me for 25 mins a day."
Though his captions were filled with self-deprecating humour, it's evident that the newly single star has dedicated significant effort to achieve his new revenge body.
In a preview of the cover story obtained by Deadline, the Borat star reportedly admitted that he began his fitness journey with "the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish."
Determined to turn things around, Baron Cohen reached out to Matthew McConaughey, whom he dubbed a "buff peer", for help, and was soon connected with Moretti, a trainer known as 'The Angry Trainer' on Instagram.
Moretti described the actor's body as resembling "a ruler, straight up and down" but said he quickly recognised "an athlete in hiding."
Sharing his client's impressive results online, Moretti wrote: "Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics… but also… the cover of Men's Fitness! Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!"
The physical reinvention comes shortly after Baron Cohen and Fisher announced they had finalised their split.
The couple, who met in Sydney in 2000 and were together for more than two decades, confirmed their separation in April 2024, before finalising what was reportedly a $250 million divorce just last month.
"Our divorce has now been finalised," the pair wrote in a joint message on social media in June.
"We are proud of all we've achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children."
Baron Cohen's gym-honed look has drawn praise from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Gal Gadot commented with a fire emoji, while Chelsea Handler joked, "Is this AI?" gaining over 700 likes at time of writing.
Others were quick to link the transformation to his newly single status.
"Someone just got divorced!" one fan commented, while a second said: "Divorce is the best type of protein."
Another added: "I'm sorry, but thirst trap Borat was not on my 2025 bingo card", while a fourth chipped in: "And he's 53. Dude looks incredible."