He toured the country, performing in coffee shops and universities. Zach got his start performing his brand of humor in the back of a hamburger joint in Times Square. Zach moved to New York City after failing his last college class by one point. His father is of Greek descent and his mother is of mostly English and Scottish ancestry.
Zach Galifianakis was born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to Mary Frances (Cashion), who owned a community arts center, and Harry Galifianakis, a heating oil vendor.