  zachary knight "zach" galifianakis ( ; born october 1, 1969) is an american stand-up comedian and actor, known for his film and television appearances including his own comedy central presents special. he is also known for his role as alan garner in the hangover film trilogy (2009â2013), as well as for his roles in the films due date (2010), the campaign (2012), and birdman (2014). ==early life== galifianakis was born in wilkesboro, north carolina. his mother, mary frances (nÃ©e cashion), is a community arts and center owner, and his father, harry galifianakis, is a heating oil vendor. his mother has scottish ancestry,http://www.grreporter.info/en/after_hangover_iii_zack_galifianakis_will_shoot_war_epic_film_about_crete/9391 while his paternal grandparents, michael "mike" galifianakis and sophia kastrinakis, were immigrants from crete, greece, and galifianakis was baptized in his father's christian orthodox church.{{cite news|last=sandlin|first=christopher|title=zach galifianakis bringing comedy and a thick beard to dallas| publisher=edge gulf coast|date=december 10, 2007|url=http://edgedallas.com/index.php?ch=entertain
1969_births 20th-century_American_male_actors 21st-century_American_male_actors American_comedy_musicians American_male_film_actors American_male_television_actors American_male_voice_actors American_people_of_Greek_descent American_stand-up_comedians American_television_writers American_writers_of_Greek_descent Galifianakis_family Living_people Male_actors_from_North_Carolina Male_web_series_actors North_Carolina_State_University_alumni Writers_from_North_Carolina