Just got news that Philippe Gaulier, the brilliant clown teacher has passed away. I never studied with him personally, but have studied with, worked with, and taught students that did. He could be a harsh critic as a clown. His book is called The Tormenter, and he was brutally honest about whether you were amusing him or not. T the same time, he did it from a place of yearning for a funnier place, and a weird place of altruism- that he was tormenting you in order to make you a better clown, and tear down your inhibitions and your secret moments of pride/cleverness. His concept was that everyone needs to find their inner idiot. The world is a duller place without him in it. Here is a great obituary by him in the NY times. It is a gift article, so it should not cost you anything to read. If it does, let me know, and I will send you the article separately. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/arts/philippe-gaulier-clown-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.LVA.48xJ.mrNVK9YAf10j&smid=nytcore-ios-share And here is the message from his wife to friends and families: From his partner Michiko: Dear Friends, It is with deep sadness that I inform you that Philippe Gaulier passed away on February 9, 2026, at 21:30, due to complications from a lung infection. In his final moments, he was peaceful and beautiful. He did not suffer; he simply fell into an eternal sleep. It almost seemed as though he was smiling, as if relieved to be free once again. Since his battle with illness began following a stroke in 2023, he received warm words of encouragement from all over the world. He seemed especially happy to receive letters and messages from his former students. Teaching was his passion and purpose in life. He was loved by so many people—what a truly happy life he lived. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him, especially during these last three years of his illness.