Zach Galifianakis, widely recognized for his role in “The Hangover,” has chosen a path that stands apart from the typical Hollywood narrative. Instead of staying rooted in Los Angeles, the actor and comedian has spent nearly a decade living in a small town in British Columbia, Canada. His decision reflects a clear preference for simplicity, privacy, and a lifestyle that aligns more closely with his upbringing.
Galifianakis did not arrive in Canada on a whim. His connection to the region stretches back more than 25 years. Over time, familiarity turned into permanence. He shared, “I’ve been visiting that area for over 25 years, so I knew the garden tradition here. But, yeah, I’ve lived there close to 10 years — off and on. Mostly on now.”
This long-standing relationship with the area played a major role in his decision to settle there. The environment offered something Los Angeles never did—a sense of comfort and continuity. Growing up in a smaller setting shaped his preferences, and returning to that pace of life felt natural.
He noted candidly, “Because I grew up in a small area, I wanted to get back to that. And L.A. was never my… I was never going to sit at Norms Diner and retire here.”
Why Hollywood Never Felt Right
While Galifianakis continues to work in the entertainment industry, his connection to Hollywood remains strictly professional. He maintains a clear boundary between his career and personal life, which he considers essential for his well-being.
“The lifestyle of Hollywood never fit with me. It’s not my thing,” he explained. This perspective has shaped how he approaches fame. Instead of immersing himself in industry events and constant visibility, he prefers distance. “So I work in it, but then I separate it. For me, it’s more healthy that way — to live in it and constantly go to things, that ain’t me.”
His early career struggles also influenced this outlook. Before gaining recognition, he worked as a busboy at a strip club until the age of 28. That experience grounded his expectations and contributed to his current mindset. He added, “Maybe it would be if I’d been successful when I was younger, but I was a busboy at a strip joint till I was 28.”
Interestingly, he credits his balanced relationship with fame to a lack of fascination with it. As he put it, his connection to show business remains steady because he is simply “not that into it.”
Life in a Town of a Thousand
The contrast between Hollywood and his current home could not be sharper. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Galifianakis offered a glimpse into his daily life. The town he resides in has a population of around a thousand people, far removed from the crowds and noise of Los Angeles.
“I love it,” he said. “I love where I live. I love Canada, it’s a great country.” He also described British Columbia as “very beautiful,” adding that his home is located on a rural island off the coast.
This quieter setting allows him to focus on personal interests, particularly gardening. His Netflix docuseries, “This Is A Gardening Show,” reflects that passion. Released on April 22, the series uses his signature humor while exploring gardening in an unconventional way. It also gives viewers a rare look at the environment he now calls home.
Keeping Family Life Private
A major reason behind Galifianakis’ move away from Hollywood involves protecting his family’s privacy. He has consistently avoided bringing his wife, Quinn Lundberg, and their two sons into the public eye.
He once revealed that he told his children he worked as a librarian when they were younger. “I said that when they were younger because I didn’t want them to know anything,” he shared. This decision highlights how strongly he feels about separating work from home life.
Even now, that boundary remains firm. Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of “Lilo & Stitch” in May 2025, he explained, “But I keep show business away from my family. I’ve never wanted my real life and show business to combine. This is my work, and that’s why they’re not here.”
Zach Galifianakis has shaped a lifestyle that reflects clarity rather than compromise. By stepping away from Hollywood’s constant attention, he has created space for family, personal interests, and a quieter routine. His story highlights a different way of handling fame—one where success does not dictate how or where life should be lived.
