Say this much for Zach Galifianakis, the star actor fiercely protects his family's privacy while aiming to keep his Hollywood career separate from his personal life. At the Los Angeles premiere of Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch on May 17, the 55-year-old actor told PEOPLE he avoids blending "real life and show business." Despite starring in a family-friendly Disney film, he prioritizes shielding his two sons from the entertainment world's glare.
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"I've never wanted my real life and show business to mix," Galifianakis said. "When my kids were younger, I told them I was a librarian, not an actor. Now they're older, they know I'm here promoting this film. Still, I keep show business away from them. That's why they're not at the premiere."
The Hangover star shares his sons with wife Quinn Lundberg, whom he reportedly married in 2012.
Public Role, Private Life
Galifianakis and Lundberg welcomed their first son in September 2013, keeping his name private. Their younger son, Rufus Emmanuel Lundberg, arrived on November 7, 2016, per a birth certificate obtained by PEOPLE. Known for avoiding the spotlight, Galifianakis told New York magazine in 2018 that he cherishes quiet moments, like "canoeing on a lake" at his British Columbia property.
In Lilo & Stitch, he plays Dr. Jumba Jookiba, the scientist behind the lovable alien Stitch, a role voiced by David Ogden Stiers in the 2002 animated original.
When asked if his children have seen the film, Galifianakis said, "They'll see it. We'll take them to a theater soon. However, we live remotely, so I'm unsure if it's playing nearby."
Although he guards his family's privacy, he shared a rare glimpse into their life, noting he brought them to Hawaii during filming. "It was a dream situation," he said, crediting his friendship with director Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
Star Approaches Family, Career With Conviction
Galifianakis joined Lilo & Stitch because of his trust in Camp. "At 55, after years as an actor, you wonder if you can keep going," he admitted. "But Dean and I go way back, and I have confidence in his talent. He doesn't make anything less than great."
This conviction drove his decision to take on the role, despite his reluctance to embrace Hollywood's spotlight.
Lilo & Stitch hits theaters on May 23, offering fans a fresh take on the beloved story. Meanwhile, Galifianakis remains committed to keeping his family life grounded, far from Tinseltown's flash.
