How Zach Galifianakis Became Comedy Royalty
From 'Boston Common' and 'Apt. 2F' to 'Bored to Death' and 'The Hangover'A few short years ago, Zach Galifianakis’ fanbase was mostly made up of critics and the comedy cognoscenti. Now even your grandmother has grown familiar with his bushy bearded face, a fixture on billboards everywhere. As overnight as his fame may seem, though, Galifianakis has been quietly paving a path toward stardom since his sitcom days in the mid-Nineties. Here are the most significant stops he’s had along the way, some more hysterical than others – but nearly all of them showing that the prickly comic with the deadliest deadpan deserves every bit of his success.
By Joe Berkowitz with Matthew Perpetua
RELATED:
• Choice Quotes From Rolling Stone's Zach Galifianakis Cover Story
• Zach Galifianakis, Reluctant Superstar: The Rolling Stone Cover Story
• A History of Comedy Stars on the Cover of Rolling Stone
Most Popular
We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Rolling Stone and its partners. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.

















