8 Things to Know About Zach Galifianakis

There are many mysteries you'll be trying to solve over the course of the riotously funny new comedy 'The Hangover.' Like, how the Caesar did a tiger end up in the hotel suite of these Vegas-partying groomsmen? Where's the missing groom? How did Ed Helms lose a tooth? And what's Mike Tyson got to do with it all?

But above all you should be asking: Just who is this hilarious heavy-set bearded man with a man purse over his shoulder and a baby on his chest? Meet Zach Galifianakis (aka "Fat Jesus"), the scene-chewing, Jager-shooting, ass-baring comedian-turned-movie star you'll be seeing a lot more of. (Note and query to Zach: The scene-chewing is great, but can you keep the ass-baring to a minimum?) – By Kevin Polowy

1. The 39-year-old was born Zacharius Knight Galifianakis (see, he's been funny since birth) in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He is of Greek descent, but did not appear in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' (In Greek he'd be known as Ζαχαρίας Γαλυφιανάκης.)

2. After failing his last class at North Carolina State by one point in 1992, he moved to New York to pursue standup and perform in Times Square hamburger joints. We can only assume he was paid in hamburgers.

3. According to his official site, he enjoys tractors and red wine, and dreams of Iceland.

4. Over the last several years, Galifianakis has created a steady buzz on the comedy circuit, first with his 'Comedy Central Presents' special and most recently on Will Ferrell's Funny or Die comedy tour (he also appeared on the short-lived Comedy Central series 'Dog Bites Man.') His subtle, clever wordplay and absurd, occasional maniacal tendencies remind us of a cross between Steven Wright and Andy Kaufman.





5. His first screen credits include playing "Pizza Boy" in 'The King and Me' and "Pathetic Guy" in 'Flushed.' His first role in a movie you've heard of was "Bill" in 2001's 'Heartbreakers.' We can only hope you missed his other 2001 movie appearances: 'Corky Romano,' 'Out Cold' and 'Bubble Boy.'

6. Before 'The Hangover,' his last high-profile role came alongside Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz in another Sin City-set comedy, 'What Happens in Vegas.' Coincidence, or gambling problem?

7. He'll next be "seen" voicing a guinea pig in Disney's animated crime fighting-rodent adventure, 'G-Force.' This is completely serious.

8. Galifianakis may still be best known for his hilarious Funny or Die Q&A series, 'Between Two Ferns,' which is like 'Meet the Press' for stoners. Our three favorite editions below for your viewing pleasure...