The Hangover was probably one of the funniest movies of 2009. Who can forget that scene where the friends woke up after getting wasted the previous night only to find a tiger in their hotel bathroom? The next surprise they found was a baby in the closet. They all did not have a clue how or when these two came under their possession. It further escalated after a few scenes when Mike Tyson greeted them as they returned to their room. He was already inside waiting to confront them about his pet tiger. Mike was singing the chorus to “Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. Alan, who was Zach Galifianakis’s character unsuspectingly sang along as Tyson approached their group. This promptly set Alan up for a solid knockout punch from the former champion flooring the comedian immediately with a thud. This combination of elements made for a hilarious and unforgettable scene.
Galifianakis was able to portray his character to the hilt. His deadpan delivery made his comedic roles so convincing, it was just too hard not to laugh. The Hangover’s success led to two more sequels that also starred Zach. These were however, just some of the movies that he has appeared in. His 2010 appearance in Dinner For Schmucks won him a Comedy Award for Best Comedy Actor. He also had a part in the 2014 hit Birdman, a movie that won the Academy Award for Best Picture and multiple Best Ensemble Cast awards. Zach’s acting talents it seems help create entertaining films.
It is no surprise how he was able to hone his skills. His mother is a community arts and center owner which may have influenced him to pursue his craft. Galifianakis’s penchant for self-deprecation and one-liners has also earned him a following in the stand up comedy circuit. It may be his portly appearance that has helped communicate his humor to his audience better. This is after all the trademark of many comedians that came before him such as John Candy, Chris Farley and Jack Black. What separates him from this esteemed group in terms of appearance is his hirsute countenance. Not only does he sport unruly long hair, he also goes about with an unkempt looking full beard.
This is what Zach Galifianakis looks like without a beard
This is the image that Zach Galifianakis is well known for. His comedic jabs seem to provide a more potent punch because of the way he carries himself. He sometimes flails his hair about in different movie scenes, poking fun at his very masculine hairstyle. This was always how he presented himself in the films that he has starred in as well as in public. Which is why everyone was astonished by the way he looked during the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG).
To be fair, Zach already exhibited a moderate amount of weight loss for his role in Birdman. Nobody however expected him to continue shedding off the pounds. He appeared at this year’s SAG Awards noticeably slimmer and with a bun instead of his long disorderly hair. To further add to the shock factor, the bushy beard for which his fans have known him for was now gone. In its place was a light collection of stubble. It was abundant enough to frame his face however it was nothing like the dark, full beard he has always had in previous years.
Zach Galifianakis may look completely different these days. Only time will tell how this will affect his audience. For now it is safe to say that solid body of work will continue to elicit unrestrained laughter from those who watch it. Galifianakis may no longer have his beard but his fans will always remember the hairy funny man that brought great amusement each time he came onscreen.
