Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Zach Galifianakis Biography

Birth Name:Zacharius Knight Galifianakis

Birth Place:Wilkesboro, North Carolina, United States

Profession Actor, Writer, Producer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Supports Growing Voices, a non-profit founded by Quinn Lundberg
Received a 2012 medal of honor from the Board of Alderman Lewis Reed
Has two relatives named Nick Galifianakis, one a cartoonist and the other a politician
Studied communications at North Carolina State University
Was a stand-up comic before the success of his role in the film "The Hangover․"
Quote: "It's embarrassing, but I don't overthink things too much when I work․ I think that might be evident to a lot of people․"
Quote: "(On his newfound fame) "It's a little bit strange․ But I'm 40 years old․ If I were in my 20s, this whole thing would probably freak me out․ Don't worry, though, I'm sure I'll f*** this up somehow․""
Released the single "Come On and Get It (Up in 'Dem Guts)" with Fiona Apple in 2006
Appeared in the 2006 music video "Not About Love․"
Appeared in a series of 2008 web advertisements for Absolut vodka beside fellow comedians Tom Heidecker and Eric Wareheim
Was hired to be a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and ended up only working for two episodes

Awards

2009ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: nominated
2009ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: nominated
2009Golden Schmoes-Best Supporting Actor of the Year: nominated
2009Golden Schmoes-Breakthrough Performance of the Year: nominated
2009HFCS Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2009Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Rockstar Moment: nominated
2009WAFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
2010COFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
2010MTV Movie Award-Best Breakout Star: nominated
2010MTV Movie Award-Best Comedic Performance: winner
2010Streamy Award-Best Male Actor in a Comedy Web Series: winner
2010Webby Award-Best Actor: winner
2010Webby Award-Video - Comedy: Longform: nominated
2011MTV Movie Award-Best Comedic Performance: nominated
2011Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
2011Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Chemistry: nominated
2011Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Actor: Comedy: nominated
2011People's Voice-Video - Variety: winner
2011Webby Award-Video - Variety: winner
2011Webby Award-Video - Best Web Personality/Host: winner
2012Annie-Voice Acting in a Feature Production: nominated
2012BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film: nominated
2012MTV Movie Award-Best Comedic Performance: nominated
2013MTV Movie Award-Best On-Screen Duo: nominated
2013Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs: nominated
2014BOFCA Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2014DFCS Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2014Jupiter Award-Best International Actor: nominated
2014Sierra Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2014NYFCO Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2014PFCS Award-Best Ensemble Acting: winner
2014Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program: winner
2014SDFCS Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2014SEFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
2014Streamy Award-Best Collaboration: winner
2014WAFCA Award-Best Acting Ensemble: winner
2015Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: winner
2015COFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
2015GAFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
2015Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: winner
2015Tar Heel Award-: winner
2015NTFCA Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2015Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program: winner
2017OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
2017Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
2017Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Actor: Comedy: nominated
2018Annie-Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: nominated
2018BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film: nominated
2018OFTA Film Award-Best Voice-Over Performance: nominated
2018Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2020Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble of the Decade: nominated
2020OFTA Film Award-Best Voice-Over Performance: nominated
2020Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Short Form Variety Series: nominated
2021IFJA Award-Best Vocal/Motion Capture Performance: nominated
2025Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: winner