Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis is an actor, comedian, and writer known for his unique brand of humor and distinctive on-screen persona. Raised in a Greek-American family, Galifianakis developed a flair for comedy early on, honing his skills through various stand-up performances and improv work. His accomplishments in the field are fortified by multiple awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Critics' Choice Movie Award.

After attending North Carolina State University, Galifianakis left before graduating to pursue his passion for comedy and acting. Setting roots in New York City, he started performing at local comedy clubs, gradually making a name for himself with his unconventional style, which often included surreal humor and deadpan delivery. His stand-up concert film "Zach Galifianakis Live at the Purple Onion" in 2006 became one of the first original programs from Netflix.

Galifianakis gained significant recognition with his role as Alan Garner in the 2009 blockbuster comedy "The Hangover," directed by Todd Phillips. The film's success, along with its subsequent sequels, catapulted him to international fame. His portrayal of the eccentric, socially awkward Alan garnered him the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance and endeared him to a broad audience. Other notable film credits include "Due Date," "It's Kind of a Funny Story," "The Campaign," "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)," and projects "The Gallerist" and "The Wizard of the Kremlin." He also stars in the live-action film adaptation of "Lilo & Stitch" as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, released in 2025.

Beyond "The Hangover," Galifianakis has showcased his versatility in a variety of roles across both film and television. His work includes starring in the FX series "Baskets," for which he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2017. On television, he is well-known for his web series "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis," where he conducted absurd, often uncomfortable interviews with celebrities, blending satire and awkward humor. The program spawned a film adaptation on Netflix, "Between Two Ferns: The Movie," which he starred in and produced in 2019. Galifianakis also appeared in the feature film black comedy "Winner" and the fourth season of Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," where he holds a recurring role.

In addition to his on-screen work, Galifianakis has been involved in voice acting, lending his voice to animated films such as "Puss in Boots," "The Lego Batman Movie" where he voiced The Joker, "Missing Link," "Ron's Gone Wrong," "The Bob's Burgers Movie," and "Thelma the Unicorn."