Latest news with #Borat
New York Times
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Ex-Viking Jared Allen's Hall of Fame nod punctuates a career defined by maturation
One Halloween, Jared Allen dressed the way a younger iteration of Jared Allen would dress. The formal description of his ensemble was a well-tailored wrestling singlet. The less formal — and more accurate — depiction was Sacha Baron Cohen's bathing suit from the movie 'Borat.' On an otherwise quiet morning inside the Kansas City Chiefs locker room, a door swung open, and there Allen came. There were gasps and shrieks and squeals. Advertisement 'I heard lots of stories about that string bikini from other players,' Allen's longtime agent, Ken Harris, said recently. 'They're like, 'Your guy is absolutely crazy.'' Allen, the former defensive end who this weekend will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, gave no reason to think otherwise. He told reporters stories about hunting 200-pound wild boars with knives. He jogged alongside bulls in Spain. Long before he'd finish compiling his 136 NFL sacks and four first-team All-Pro honors, he'd dress like a beer-bellied Elvis, hop in his 1969 powder-blue Cadillac and cruise around town. A post shared by NFL (@nfl) This is often when the trouble occurred, when Allen's decisions poured gasoline on the simmering problem-child narrative. He was arrested for drunk driving and speeding in May 2006. Five months later, police busted Allen again for DUI. Former Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson described Allen, then 24, as 'a young man at risk,' which contributed to a contract spat. The Chiefs escalated tension in the relationship by applying the franchise tag. 'At one point, somebody with the Chiefs told us, 'We've got the tag on him, and don't ever forget, we're the bank,'' Harris recalled. 'You can't say that to Jared Allen. If you say that to Jared Allen, bad things happen.' The bad things for Kansas City became positive things for Minnesota — and Allen. Harris, the agent, introduced the idea of Allen spending his franchise-tag season as a sideline reporter. The Chiefs then retracted their trade demand of two first-round picks. The Vikings' brain trust, comprised of former general manager Rick Spielman and executives George Paton and Rob Brzezinski, assembled the plan. Paton focused on Allen's playing fit. Brzezinski sifted through the financial ramifications. Spielman blessed the vision. Why roll the dice on an inexperienced defensive end in the draft if they could acquire a guy who had just started 55 games and recorded 43 sacks in four seasons? Advertisement The Vikings still needed to recruit Allen, so the franchise ownership met with him and Harris. At one point, Harris' phone buzzed with messages from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Vikings executives noticed. Allen and Harris exited the Minnesota facility without a final agreement on contract terms. But that night, Brzezinski phoned Harris and asked to meet him in the lobby of the downtown Hilton. They resumed their conversations from earlier in the day, at one point even scribbling number figures reaching eight digits on a tiny napkin. Leaning in closer because of the noise from tables around them, Harris remembered Brzezinski asking, 'Do you think anybody would ever imagine we're talking about tens of millions of dollars?' 'I guarantee you nobody has any idea,' Harris said. 'They just think we're two schmucks at the bar talking.' Harris added, 'The schmucks comment was true; not for Rob, but for me. I do want to say, though, that trio of Rick and Rob and George made it happen. We went in there and just fell in love with these guys as well as ownership.' Many of the Vikings players were initially skeptical of the man who had netted the then-record-breaking, six-year, $73,260,069 deal. Was Allen committed enough? Was football just the vehicle for an unsustainable lifestyle? Vikings veterans Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, who took Allen out to dinner at the end of his first official day, wondered whether he'd be attentive enough against the run. They cornered him on the subject at Redstone American Grill in Eden Prairie. His charisma won them over. Hearing Allen talk about realizing he didn't have to live life on the edge to become his best self version of himself secured their belief. On the field, he erased any remaining doubt. He sprang off the line of scrimmage like a sprinter with a shotgun start. He bent his body in ways a 6-foot-6, 270-pound frame shouldn't bend. Strong hands aren't a powerful enough descriptor; he swiped tackles' arms with smarts, knowing where and when they were susceptible. Advertisement He wasn't operating at random. Allen spent countless hours studying Derrick Thomas, Reggie White and Leslie O'Neal. 'I think people have this idea that he was just a guy who played with great energy and was relentless and had this motor,' former teammate Ben Leber said. 'All of those things are true, but he approached the game from a strategic standpoint.' Never was Allen more excited to deploy his strategies than against the Detroit Lions. Their offensive linemen jawed constantly, Leber said, and Allen barbed in return. He also swarmed. Vikings coach Brad Childress' favorite memory is Allen chasing current ESPN broadcaster Dan Orlovsky out of the back of the end zone. 'And if I saw Dan Orlovsky in a bar this afternoon,' Childress said recently, 'I would give him s— about it until I walked out of the bar.' Like Allen's teammates, Childress revered his energy and enthusiasm. Football seasons drag. When the teammate Mario Kart battles subside, as they did with the Vikings, you need a guy who can replace them with intense games of Yahtzee. You need a person who, while toned down outside the locker room, keeps the room free in every sense of the word. Heading to the Hall of Fame! Congratulations, Jared Allen! — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 7, 2025 'He was always prone to run around unclothed,' Kevin Williams said, cackling on the other end of the phone. 'I hate to admit it,' Leber added, 'but he wasn't shy. He was not shy in the locker room. I'm not sure (Allen's wife) Amy is going to love these stories, but she didn't meet Jared 1.0. She met Jared 2.0.' The couple married in 2010. The arrival of their first child, a girl named Brinley, coincided with her father's best season, and one of the most productive in NFL history. Allen notched 22 sacks in 2011, a Vikings record that remains. It's tied for the third-most sacks in a single season in NFL history. Advertisement This degree of dominance planted the seeds for a trip to Canton, Ohio, that didn't come easily. The Pro Football Hall of Fame first named him a finalist in 2021. Four years later, he finally received enough votes to be elected. He joked a few months ago that the honor wouldn't change anything, other than forcing him to travel and give more interviews than he'd like. But the people who best know his path view the arc — going from an 8-year-old telling his father he wanted to play professionally to becoming primarily a long snapper at Idaho State to everything that would follow — as an example. 'His journey has been pretty incredible,' Leber said. 'You see this progression of not only a player but also a human being.' As for this weekend's speech? There's a reason Harris, Williams, Leber and so many others are lining up to go. What will Allen, now 43, say? How far will he go? One of the attendees even suggested a prop. Odds are, he'll (thankfully) wear not a well-tailored wrestling singlet but a finely stitched cowboy hat. He'll make the audience laugh. He'll tell some stories, praise those who came before him and then focus on his family. On Amy. On Brinley. On their second daughter, Lakelyn. On the group that brings his maturation to life.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How to get an ultra-ripped physique in your 50s like Sacha Baron Cohen - as Borat star unveils his post-divorce revenge body
Sacha Baron Cohen has shocked fans with his jaw-dropping transformation for the role of Marvel's hot supervillain Mephisto. The British Borat actor, 53, who split from Australian actress Isla Fisher in 2023, after more than two decades together, looked worlds away from his former self as he showed off his ripped body in the new issue of Men's Fitness UK. He revealed he had just three weeks to get into superhero shape, putting in the 'hard work' ready to portray Mephisto, a devil-like figure who makes Faustian bargains. Speaking to the publication, Sacha revealed he and his celeb-loved trainer Alfonso Moretti concentrated on short workouts of 25 minutes, a diet high in fibre and protein as well as low in sugar and '100 push ups a day'. Celebrating his topless cover, the Ali G star also quipped on his Instagram page that he used 'private chefs and personal trainers'. But for people who want to avoid pricey options like personal cooks and trainers, fitness experts have thankfully told FEMAIL the secrets to getting an ultra-ripped body over the age of 50 like Sacha. Mark Harris, fitness expert at Mirafit, said: 'For anyone aiming for a similar physique, it's all about the right approach.' He noted that those hoping to achieve a toned physique like Sacha's need to establish 'a well-tailored workout routine that combines cardio and strength-training elements, while still including substantial recovery periods'. 'I recommend aiming for around three to four weekly training sessions, focusing on weighted exercises such as deadlifts and squats. 'Prioritising form over reps is essential for avoiding any injury which could stunt progress. Cardio is beneficial on less intense days; even a brisk walk can effectively manage weight and boost recovery. 'On recovery days, opting for yoga or pilates sessions can help reduce injury risk while improving flexibility and mobility, which can boost performance during workouts. 'These active recovery days allow people to strive towards their fitness goals, such as achieving Sacha's incredible physique while prioritising rest.' Mark concluded: 'Overall, with the right approach to fitness, I believe anyone, at any age, can reach their fitness goals. The combination of recovery, strength-training, cardio and amending lifestyle habits has allowed this actor to achieve a slimmer and more defined physique. 'With the help of expert trainers, Sacha has credited short but intense workouts as his focus. This means rigorous strength and cardio-based routines, combining a variety of functional movements, high-intensity interval training and weight lifting, giving him this incredible transformation. 'He also credits nutrition as a massive element to his success, claiming he "replaced beer with protein shakes". This highlights his commitment to his fitness regime, revealing how amending unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as alcohol intake, plays a massive role in fitness success.' Meanwhile, Rachael Sacerdoti, a personal trainer and nutritionist, said that 'regular people' should skip the complexity of Sacha's intense transformation and instead focus on getting 'genuinely stronger in basic movements'. Her tips included: 'Eating 35-40g protein per meal, not just post-workout. Training a minimum of three times weekly with complete focus rather than six mediocre sessions. Sleeping 7-9 hours non-negotiably. Most importantly, give yourself time.' 'Sacha had a short amount of time combined with unlimited resources and die hard discipline. You need the same focus, even if your timeline stretches longer,' urged the fitness expert. 'People in their fifties have better mind-muscle connection and discipline than younger individuals. 'While hormones shift with age, they remain sufficient for significant muscle building and fat loss. Women may need to focus more on strength training to combat post-menopausal muscle loss, but the principles remain identical. 'The real victory isn't looking like a Marvel character, it's proving your body can still undergo remarkable transformation at any age.' Elsewhere, Kunal Makwana, personal trainer and founder of KMAK Fitness in the UK and US, who has trained hundreds of men over 50, insisted that the 'first three weeks are when you're likely to see the biggest change'. 'You're not going to become ripped overnight but if you commit, you'll look and feel drastically better within 21 days,' said the fitness expert. The trainer explained: 'The key to a lean, defined look after 50 is resistance training as you're losing muscle mass every year. Focus on compound movements like squats, presses, and rows which are high impact and will give you amazing results. 'Low-impact cardio, even just walking, helps burn fat without stressing your joints. It helps with fat loss at any age. 'For most men over 50, training once a day for 45–60 minutes, 4–5 times a week, is ideal. A typical weekly routine should include two upper body sessions, one lower body day, one full-body metabolic workout, and one or two active recovery days. 'On Day 1, you'd focus on upper body strength with dumbbell bench presses, overhead presses, tricep dips and incline push-ups, followed by a core finisher like planks and leg raises. 'Day 2 would be lower body and core: bodyweight squats to warm up, followed by goblet squats, lunges, glute bridges and ab work like dead bugs and plank shoulder taps. 'Day 3 is for active recovery: walking 10,000 steps and doing 15 minutes of mobility work, targeting the hips, back and hamstrings. It's not a rest day where you lie on the sofa, it's about keeping your body moving so your joints stay happy and your recovery stays on track. 'Day 4 is back to upper body, this time with a pulling focus, so rows, lat pulldowns or assisted pull-ups, bicep curls and rear delt flys, with a core finisher like Russian twists. 'Day 5 is a full-body metabolic session with a 20–30-minute high-intensity circuit made up of kettlebell swings, push-ups, squats, dumbbell snatches and planks.' The fitness expert said: 'Most men over 50 are eating way too little protein. Aim for at least 1.6g per kg of body weight per day and cut back on processed carbs and booze to help get rid of belly fat. 'This isn't about starving yourself, it's about cleaning up your diet. You want nutrient-dense foods, not just fewer calories so incorporate lean meats, veg, whole grains and healthy fats. 'Hormones like testosterone and cortisol have a huge impact on body composition. Getting 7+ hours of quality sleep and drinking 2–3L of water daily will support fat loss and muscle recovery. 'The goal isn't to train like a 25-year-old. It's to train like a smart 50+ man who wants to look incredible, stay injury-free, and feel strong and capable. 'Sacha's physique is lean, athletic and realistic which is what makes it so aspirational. Most guys over 50 can see real changes in just three weeks with this kind of approach. You don't need to be extreme, just consistent and your body will respond fast.' Sacha underwent his superhero makeover ahead of stepping into the Marvel universe as a devilishly good-looking demon. Posing shirtless for the fitness magazine cover, the actor looked incredible as he showed off his chiselled abs and toned arms. Speaking to the publication, Sacha revealed he turned to Matthew McConaughey to get the phone number of celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, who has well-established reputation for transforming physiques on impossible deadlines. He joked: 'I called Matthew and asked for help. After asking who I was and how I'd gotten his number, he finally gave me Alfonso's contact'. Sacha went on to have a FaceTime meeting with Alfonso, who got him to strip down to his underwear during their first chat. Due to the short time frame and Alfonso workout methods, Sacha was tasked with being 'consistent' by doing '100 push ups a day'. But the actor's incredible transformation was far from marathon workouts and extreme dieting, as they concentrated on short workouts and a diet high in fibre and protein as well as low in sugar. He said: '25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened. In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions. 'But the short sessions made it so much easier to stay consistent - even with the demands of being on set.' By the two-week mark, Sacha's wardrobe team had to spend $5,000 (£3,600) altering costumes because his body had changed so significantly. He was leaner, stronger, and fitter than ever before. His trainer Alfonso gushed: '100 per cent committed. He could be filming for 15 hours, start at 6am, finish at nine at night and he'd still send me a text: "Do you have time for a workout?"' Revealing his new appearance on his Instagram Story, the funnyman quipped: 'This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this.' He also wrote that he is 'hard launching my mid-life crisis' and 'debuting my new character: middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes' His trainer also shared the magazine's photos to Instagram and wrote that he 'could not be more proud' of Sacha after working out with him. 'Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly. Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics…but also… The COVER of Men's Fitness!!!' Moretti wrote. 'From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!' In a recent press conference, Marvel chief Kevin Feige confirmed that Sacha will be portraying the MCU character. Sacha first rose to fame in the 1990s with his Ali G character, the infamous spoof wannabe gangster who became a comedy star. He also starred as Borat, a journalist from Kazakhstan, and played the role of flamboyant Austrian fashionista Bruno. He split with Australian actress Isla Fisher in 2023, after more than two decades together. The former couple share three children.
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sacha Baron Cohen Was ‘Joking' About Using Ozempic To Transform Body For Marvel Role
Published By : Bang Showbiz Last Updated: Sacha Baron Cohen has claimed he was 'only joking' when he claimed to have used Ozempic to help achieve his new muscular physique for a Marvel role. Sacha Baron Cohen insists he was 'only joking" when he claimed to have used Ozempic to help achieve his new muscular physique for a Marvel role. The 53-year-old actor appeared on the cover of Men's Fitness UK this week, debuting his dramatic body transformation ahead of playing the villain Mephisto in Marvel's Ironheart miniseries. Alongside images from the shoot, Sacha posted on Instagram: 'Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three." He added: 'This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this. Debuting my new character. Middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes." Sacha also thanked his trainer Alfonso Moretti, writing: 'Thanks @theangrytrainer for doing the unthinkable – putting up with me for 25 minutes a day." However, after the post prompted widespread speculation and some backlash, representatives for Sacha have told MailOnline he 'was only joking" about using Ozempic. They added that the transformation was entirely the result of 'hard work". Speaking to Men's Fitness UK, Sacha said he had only three weeks to get into superhero shape and credited Alfonso, also known as 'The Angry Trainer', with designing a focused programme of short daily workouts and strict nutrition. Sacha said: '25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened. 'In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions." He said the plan included 100 push-ups a day and a diet high in fibre and protein, with minimal sugar. At the start of training, Alfonso reportedly told Sacha he had 'the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish" but praised his consistency. Within two weeks, Marvel's costume department reportedly spent $5,000 (£3,600) making adjustments to his wardrobe due to changes in his physique. Sacha revealed he reached out to actor Matthew McConaughey for a trainer recommendation, which led him to Alfonso. Their first meeting was via FaceTime, during which the trainer asked Sacha to strip to his underwear so he could assess his body. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently confirmed Sacha will portray Mephisto – a demonic entity who appears in the Ironheart series, and who has long been rumoured to be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sacha rose to prominence in the late 1990s with his Ali G character, followed by major roles in Borat, Brüno, and The Dictator. First Published: July 25, 2025, 13:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sacha Baron Cohen ‘only joking' over using Ozempic to transform body for Marvel role
Sacha Baron Cohen insists he was 'only joking' when he claimed to have used Ozempic to help achieve his new muscular physique for a Marvel role. The 53-year-old actor appeared on the cover of Men's Fitness UK this week, debuting his dramatic body transformation ahead of playing the villain Mephisto in Marvel's Ironheart miniseries. Alongside images from the shoot, Sacha posted on Instagram: 'Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three.' He added: 'This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this. Debuting my new character. Middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes.' Sacha also thanked his trainer Alfonso Moretti, writing: 'Thanks @theangrytrainer for doing the unthinkable – putting up with me for 25 minutes a day.' However, after the post prompted widespread speculation and some backlash, representatives for Sacha have told MailOnline he 'was only joking' about using Ozempic. They added that the transformation was entirely the result of 'hard work'. Speaking to Men's Fitness UK, Sacha said he had only three weeks to get into superhero shape and credited Alfonso, also known as 'The Angry Trainer', with designing a focused programme of short daily workouts and strict nutrition. Sacha said: '25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened. 'In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions.' He said the plan included 100 push-ups a day and a diet high in fibre and protein, with minimal sugar. At the start of training, Alfonso reportedly told Sacha he had 'the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish' but praised his consistency. Within two weeks, Marvel's costume department reportedly spent $5,000 (£3,600) making adjustments to his wardrobe due to changes in his physique. Sacha revealed he reached out to actor Matthew McConaughey for a trainer recommendation, which led him to Alfonso. Their first meeting was via FaceTime, during which the trainer asked Sacha to strip to his underwear so he could assess his body. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently confirmed Sacha will portray Mephisto – a demonic entity who appears in the Ironheart series, and who has long been rumoured to be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sacha rose to prominence in the late 1990s with his Ali G character, followed by major roles in Borat, Brüno, and The Dictator.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Sacha Baron Cohen doesn't realise his midlife post-divorce body is repellent to most women
'From Borat to buff,' the caption reads on the cover of Men's Fitness, along with a topless shot of… wait, that can't be Sacha Baron Cohen, can it? My first thought was oily biltong. My second thought was one of those comedy cooking aprons featuring a male torso. My third thought was: ooh, hench, what do you bench? No, of course it wasn't. It was this: I get the 53-year-old actor and comedy writer is now officially divorced from his wife, Isla Fisher, 49, but I'm not sure the revenge body thing is really working. Back in the day (1994, to be precise), Diana, Princess of Wales, stole the show with a daring off-the-shoulder black dress to signal her couldn't-care-less-but-actually-care-a-lot insouciance. I can't see why a Celine Homme polo shirt and Tom Ford linens wouldn't have done the trick for Baron Cohen. He's a dad with two daughters and a son, and therefore absolutely entitled – some would say obliged – to rock a dad bod. What his Australian ex-wife makes of it all is anyone's guess. The couple met at a party in 2001 and were engaged in 2004. The Wedding Crashers actress converted to Judaism to marry Baron Cohen in 2010. Although they announced their separation in 2024, they said it had happened a year previously. Both have been at pains to keep their personal lives private. But now that the privately educated Cambridge graduate has joined the Hollywood elite, he happily admits he brought in a crack team for his ripped glow-up, which he describes as 'a midlife crisis'. Plus, he has been cast as Marvel's supervillain devil Mephisto, who makes evil pacts with mortals in order to acquire their souls, which concentrated his mind. 'Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three,' he told the magazine. 'This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this.' Given he was put through his daily workouts by someone called @theangrytrainer, his dedication, appropriately enough, verged on the demonic. It's a far cry from his wannabe gangsta Ali G character back in the 1990s, which led to his film about his shockingly inappropriate Kazakh journalist, Borat, in 2006, and then his mockumentary about monstrous Austrian fashionista Brüno three years later. In 2012, he played Admiral General Aladeen in The Dictator, billed as 'the heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed'. Now a bona fide A-lister, Baron Cohen has clearly fallen prey to the literal arms race dominating the big franchises, which has seen male actors (and their body doubles) push their physiques into superhero proportions. Having presumably forgotten that superheroes aren't real. These days, muscle mass equals star power. On screen, at any rate. In Men's Fitness, Baron Cohen has found the perfect body-conscious audience for his great reveal, but I'm not sure how many women will find his pumped-up pecs a thing of beauty. It's great for any midlifers to have a stimulating hobby, and there's something deeply attractive about a man pursuing a passion. But there's something troubling when that passion turns out to be sculpting himself in the image of a cartoon character.
