Here is a concise summary of the provided transcript:
**Interview with Sacha Baron Cohen**
* The host introduces Sacha Baron Cohen, noting this is the first time they've seen him interviewed as himself, not in character.
* Cohen discusses:
1. **Ali G**: His first successful creation, initially called "The Youths" and later named Ali G. Cohen exploited people's politeness to maintain the character's absurdity.
2. **Borat**: Cohen mentions the backlash from Kazakhstan, including a $30 million campaign to disassociate themselves from the character. He also recalls a prank where he pretended to be the real Kazakhstan's representative in Washington D.C.
3. **Danger in his work**: Cohen acknowledges that his comedy can be dangerous, sharing an anecdote about a violent incident during a Bruno (his gay Austrian character) stunt in Arkansas, where a cage match turned chaotic.
4. **New character**: Briefly introduces a new character from Grimsby, initially conceived as a James Bond-like figure, but provides limited details, instead sharing a humorous anecdote about meeting a Neil Diamond impersonator while researching in Grimsby.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:
1. **Event Context**: The text is a transcript of an interview with Sacha Baron Cohen.
2. **Interviewer's Prior Interaction**: The interviewer had previously spoken to Sacha Baron Cohen in character, but not as himself.
3. **First Successful Creation**: Ali G was Sacha Baron Cohen's first really successful character.
4. **Ali G's Origins**: Ali G was initially a generic term and not the specific character known today.
5. **Original Character Name**: Before Ali G, the character was referred to as "The Youthful Ordio".
6. **Character Development**: Sacha Baron Cohen came up with the name "Ali G" for the character.
7. **Social Experiment Aspect**: Ali G was designed to play off people's prejudices and innate politeness.
8. **Interaction with Pat Buchanan**: Sacha Baron Cohen, as a character, attempted to convince Pat Buchanan of absurdities before cameras rolled.
9. **Kazakhstan Controversy**: Kazakhstan was upset with Sacha Baron Cohen's portrayal of the country through his character Borat.
10. **MTV Awards Incident**: Sacha Baron Cohen, as Borat, pretended to be Kazakhstan's Prime Minister at the MTV Awards.
11. **Kazakhstan's Response**: Kazakhstan spent about $30 million to prove their real identity and distinguish themselves from the portrayal.
12. **Press Conference Prank**: Sacha Baron Cohen held a press conference pretending to be the real Kazakhstan, responding to the controversy.
13. **Danger in Performances**: Sacha Baron Cohen acknowledged there were times when things got "hairy" during performances.
14. **Bruno Character Details**: The character Bruno was a gay Austrian, and a specific stunt involved a cage match in Arkansas.
15. **Legal Precautions for Bruno Stunt**: A lawyer specializing in Arkansas law was consulted to avoid inciting a riot, a federal offense.
16. **Specific Legal Restrictions**: The lawyer advised on specific physical interactions to avoid during the stunt (e.g., no kissing on the nipples).
17. **New Character Origins (Incomplete Info)**: A new character, mentioned but not fully detailed, originates from Grimsby, starting development on February 24th.
18. **Research for New Character**: Sacha Baron Cohen spent time in Grimsby and the north of England for character research.
19. **Initial Character Concept**: The Grimsby character was initially conceived as a football hooligan but evolved differently.
20. **Encounter in Grimsby**: During research, Sacha Baron Cohen met a Neil Diamond impersonator in a local pub.