It is rare to see someone get famous off their name alone, but that is exactly what happened to Zach Galifianakis. While he may not have blossomed into a bonafide movie star, his success in Funny or Die videos and the Hangover series has turned him into a household name.
Through hard work, grit, and humble beginnings, Zach proved his worth to the world through the talent and skills that got him to where he is today. In this article, we’ll be spilling all the beans on how much the actor is worth, his story, and what he has been up to lately.
Without further ado, let’s get right to it, shall we?
Profession/Career: | Actor |
Net Worth: | $40 million |
College: | North Carolina State University |
Major: | Communications |
Date of Birth (Age): | October 1, 1969 (53 years old) |
Place of Birth: | Wilkesboro, North Carolina |
Full Name: | Zachary Knight Galifianakis |
Height: | 5 ft 7 in |
Frequently Associated With:
- Quinn Lundberg
- Ed Helms
- Bradley Cooper
- Todd Phillips
- Ken Jeong
- Will Ferrell
- Between Two Ferns
- The Hangover Trilogy
- Elizabeth Banks
- Who Is Zach Galifianakis?
- Zach Galifianakis’s Childhood
- How Zach Galifianakis First Started Making Money
- Moving Up In The World Of Acting
- What Is Zach Galifianakis’ Net Worth?
- Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell’s Movie Together
- How Zach Galifianakis Made His Fortune
- Zach Galifianakis’ Wife and Personal Life
- Does Zach Galifianakis Have A Twin?
- Zach Galifianakis Awards
- Zach Galifianakis Quotes and Life Philosophy
- Final Thoughts
Who Is Zach Galifianakis?
Zachary Knight “Zach” Galifianakis was born on October 1, 1969, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. His father was an insurance salesman, and his mother was a secretary. His parents divorced when he was young, and he moved to New York with his mother when he was nine years old.
He attended Nichols School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and met future director Todd Phillips. They graduated high school together in 1988, and both went off to study at Pitzer College in Claremont, California.
Zach Galifianakis’s Childhood
Zach Galifianakis is a well-known comedian, actor, and writer, and his childhood was shaped by his family’s involvement in the arts.
Galifianakis was born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in 1969. He grew up in a family of artists and performers. His mother, Mary Frances Galifianakis, was a community arts center founder, and his father, Harry Galifianakis, was a heating oil vendor and artist.
Galifianakis has described his childhood as eccentric and unconventional. He was raised in a house without electricity or running water until he was six years old, and he and his two siblings were homeschooled by their mother. His father would often take him to art galleries and introduce him to famous artists.
Galifianakis’s interest in comedy began at an early age, and he would often perform comedy skits for his family and friends. After high school, he attended North Carolina State University but dropped out before completing his degree to pursue a career in comedy.
Overall, Galifianakis’s childhood was marked by his family’s love of the arts, which influenced his own career path and creative pursuits.
How Zach Galifianakis First Started Making Money
Galifianakis started his career in the late 1990s with the series “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” which aired for three seasons on Comedy Central, before moving on to movies like “Soul Men” and “Up In the Air.” He also appeared in the ‘Drunk History’ TV series, which aired from 2013 to 2015 on Comedy Central.
Moving Up In The World Of Acting
Zach Galifianakis’ first huge break was being cast as Bobby Boucher in the film The Hangover (2009). The film became one of the highest-grossing comedies ever made and led to Zach being cast in several sequels.
Galifianakis had starred alongside Seth Rogen and James Franco in ‘The Hangover’ trilogy, where he played the role of Alan Garner.
In addition to starring in The Hangover franchise, Zach also starred in other successful comedies such as Due Date (2010) with Robert Downey Jr., Bored To Death (2009), and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014).
What Is Zach Galifianakis’ Net Worth?
Zach Galifianakis’ net worth is roughly estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023.
He has earned his wealth steadily throughout his acting and comedy career, with a few large paydays from at least three separate films.
Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell’s Movie Together
Galifianakis gained international fame after starring in Will Ferrell‘s comedy hit The Campaign (2012).
How Zach Galifianakis Made His Fortune
His biggest paydays came from films like “Masterminds” which grossed over $34 million domestically, “The Campaign” which grossed over $120 million domestically, and “Keeping Up With The Joneses” which grossed over $70 million domestically.
Zach Galifianakis’ Wife and Personal Life
Zach is a proud husband and father, aside from being an all-star comedian, actor, and producer. Zach Galifianakis married Quinn Lundberg on June 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Quinn is known very well for her social activism. Lundberg’s charity, Growing Voices, is not about a specific cause, but what it does is work with local charities to identify the most important need in a certain community.

The lovely couple first met at a party in Brooklyn and started dating a few months later. They were engaged in December of 2016 and married at the home of her parents in Malibu, California. They had a child together named Rufus Emmanuel Lundberg during their engagement.
Zach Galifianakis has two daughters from his previous relationship with Laura Dern – Annalise (born January 16, 2002) and Sasha (born October 7, 2003).
Does Zach Galifianakis Have A Twin?
Zach Galifianakis’ “twin” Seth Galifianakis is not really his twin, but more like an alter ego that appears from time to time in his comedy routine.
Zach Galifianakis Awards
Zach Galifianakis is an American actor, comedian, and writer who has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. Here are some of his notable awards:
- Primetime Emmy Award: In 2014, Galifianakis won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program for his web series “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.”
- Screen Actors Guild Award: Galifianakis won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2011 as part of the ensemble cast of the film “The Fighter.”
- MTV Movie Award: In 2010, Galifianakis won an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance for his role in the film “The Hangover.”
- American Comedy Award: Galifianakis has won two American Comedy Awards for his work in comedy films and TV shows.
- Comedy Central Awards: Galifianakis has won two Comedy Central Awards, including the award for Best Alternative Comedy Act in 2006.
- Independent Spirit Award: Galifianakis was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in the film “Birdman” in 2015.
Zach Galifianakis Quotes and Life Philosophy
Zach has a “don’t take things too seriously” lease on life. Check out some of his memorable quotes:
“When you look the way I do, it’s kinda hard to get a table for one at Chuck E. Cheese.”
-Zach Galifianakis
“If you’ve ever read my blog, you know I’m a pilates freak. By pilates freak I mean waffle freak.”
-Zach Galifianakis
“Being popular is poison. It’s not good for comedy to be like, ‘Hey thanks for liking me.’”
-Zach Galifianakis
“I’ve got a lot of growing up to do; I’ve realized that the other day while I was inside my fort.”
-Zach Galifianakis
Final Thoughts
Zach Galifianakis’s net worth has grown with his popularity. He started his career with a bang and is sure to keep on going strong.
Galifianakis’ current net worth of $40 million is nearly all from his many roles in comedy films. He has appeared in many well-known movies earning him an impressive paycheck for the long hours of acting he does.
As he continues on his acting journey, he is sure to impress millions of newfound fans. His popularity on the big screen has given him the ability to achieve many things, including a sizeable net worth that is typically found in successful Hollywood actors.