Zach Galifianakis (pronounced [zæk ˌgæ.lə.fə.ˈnæ.kəs]) or Zachary K. Galifianakis (born October 1, 1969 in Sparta, North Carolina) is an American comedian, actor, and writer. He attended North Carolina State University, pursuing a degree in Communication and Film. He failed a course before graduation and left for New York City. His original goal was to pursue acting, although he eventually became a stand-up comic. In 2001 Zach Galifianakis co-starred in the film, Out Cold.