The Hangover might have been responsible for launching Zach Galifianakis’ highly accomplished career, but the 56-year-old comedian has also admitted to feeling some unexpectedly mixed emotions as a result of the hit 2009 comedy.
More recently, the Between Two Ferns host on the May 4 episode of the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friendpodcast. During the course of their conversation, Galifianakis discussed the overwhelming experience that came from his breakout role in The Hangover, including the widespread fame and exposure he was granted as a result.
“I am one of these people that feels very fortunate to be working, but the first part about having success or whatever, being known . . . that really messed me up. Not in a ‘woe is me,’ but no one ever asked me any questions until I was in a movie with a monkey. I found that to be odd, that switch,” the actor said, referencing his role in 2011’s The Hangover Part II.
Throughout the course of The Hangover trilogy, Galifianakis played the role of Alan, a mild-mannered yet awkward eccentric primarily responsible for the alcohol-fueled happenings of the series.
In their conversation, podcast host Conan O’Brien observed that Galifianakis remains incredibly down-to-earth despite the fame of the series, pointing to how well certain celebrities handle the fame of Hollywood.
“What I found is that it’s a magnifying lens,” O’Brien said. “It just magnifies things. So if you’re insecure, you will become more insecure. If you tend to be angry, you’ll become a rageaholic. If you are someone who’s capable of feeling gratitude and the people around you, those things can be enhanced.”
“I was angry about it, to be honest,” Galifianakis cut in to say.
“It intimidated me and I got weirded out by it,” he continued. “But now that I’m old, none of it matters and who cares. But it was a change.”
This story was originally published by Parade on May 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.