Zach Galifianakis Bio
Zachary Knight Galifianakis (born October 1, 1969) is an American actor, comedian, and writer known for his unique style of humor and a range of roles in film and television. He gained fame for his role as Alan in The Hangover trilogy, earning him significant recognition in Hollywood. Beyond acting, he has also received accolades for his work in cable comedy, including winning a Primetime Emmy Award. Galifianakis has become a staple in alternative comedy, known for his unconventional interview style on his talk show, ‘Between Two Ferns.’ His filmography includes notable works like Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and The LEGO Batman Movie.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Knight Galifianakis was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on October 1, 1969, to community arts center director Mary Frances and heating oil vendor Harry Galifianakis. His mother is of Scots-Irish descent, while his paternal grandparents were Greek immigrants from Crete. He has a younger sister, Merritt, and an older brother, Greg. Their cousin is Washington Post cartoonist Nick Galifianakis. Zach attended Wilkes Central High School and later enrolled at Wilkes Community College and North Carolina State University, where he majored in communications. While in college, he worked at a public access station and taught a waltz class in 1991, where he crossed paths with singer Mary J. Blige.
Path to Hollywood
Galifianakis began his career in entertainment with a television debut on Boston Common. He briefly joined Saturday Night Live for two weeks, where he worked on sketches and developed his comedic style. He co-starred in the film Out Cold and had small roles in various films, including Corky Romano and Bubble Boy. In September 2001, he appeared in an episode of Comedy Central Presents, showcasing his stand-up routine. Galifianakis hosted his own VH1 talk show called Late World with Zach, featuring friends and performers from the Los Angeles comedy scene. He gained further recognition with his role in the Comedy Central show Dog Bites Man and guest appearances on shows like The Sarah Silverman Program and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
Zach Galifianakis Career
Early Career (1996–2008)
Zach Galifianakis’s early career included various roles in television and film. He starred in the independent film Visioneers, which premiered in 2008. His stand-up concert film Zach Galifianakis Live at the Purple Onion was one of the first original programs from Netflix. He became known for his unique comedic style, which blends awkwardness and deadpan humor. His work during this period laid the foundation for his later success in mainstream films and television.
Breakthrough (2009–2013)
Galifianakis’s breakthrough role came in 2009 when he played Alan Garner in the hit comedy The Hangover. The film was a massive success and earned him the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance. He reprised this role in the sequels, further solidifying his status as a leading comedic actor. During this time, he also starred in several notable films, including Due Date, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), which received critical acclaim.
Notable Works and Milestones
Zach Galifianakis is recognized for his signature role in The Hangover trilogy and his work on the FX series Baskets, which showcased his range as an actor. He has received multiple awards and nominations throughout his career, including a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on ‘Between Two Ferns.’
Zach Galifianakis Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zach Galifianakis has received numerous nominations for his work in film and television, highlighting his talent and impact in the entertainment industry.
Zach Galifianakis Awards Won
Zach Galifianakis has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program for ‘Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.’
Zach Galifianakis Family
Zach Galifianakis is married to Canadian charity worker Quinn Lundberg, with whom he has two sons, born in 2013 and 2016. The family resides in Venice, Los Angeles, California.
Personal Life
Zach Galifianakis maintains a relatively private personal life. He has a house in Venice, Los Angeles, and previously lived in Brooklyn. He also owns a farm in Sparta, North Carolina, where he spends time away from his work. Galifianakis is known for his philanthropic efforts, including supporting the Texas Abortion Fund and helping a homeless woman find housing.
