Ian Cognito - Actor Profile

Ian Cognito

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
2Total Films
6.3 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 21, 1958
Birth Place: London, United Kingdom

About Ian Cognito

Ian Cognito (real name Paul John Barbieri) was a British alternative comedian of Italian Irish descent. He won the Time Out Award for Stand-up Comedy in 1999 but famously never appeared on TV, nor did he ever want to. Cognito had an aggressive stage persona and a reputation as Britain’s "most banned" comic, again another reason for never appearing on TV. Nevertheless, he was widely rated as a masterful performer with an innate grasp of stagecraft, inviting comparisons to iconoclasts like Lenny Bruce, Bill Hicks, and Jerry Sadowitz. He died on stage of a heart attack on 11 April 2019 at the Lone Wolf comedy club in Bicester, aged just 60.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ian Cognito reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Ian Cognito's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ian Cognito remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Ian Cognito: A Life and A Death On Stage, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ian Cognito Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ian Cognito's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ian Cognito.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Ian Cognito: A Life and A Death On Stage Self (archive) Average Similar →
1994 Filth! Ian Cognito (Paul Barbieri) Flop Similar →

Ian Cognito - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ian Cognito?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ian Cognito is "Ian Cognito: A Life and A Death On Stage" with a rating of 6.3/10.

How many movies has Ian Cognito acted in?

Ian Cognito has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.