He’s been a working comic for years, but thanks to “The Hangover,” Zach Galifianakis and his bushy beard are now bona fide movie stars. This year he co-stars with Robert Downey Jr. in “Due Date,” directed by “Hangover” filmmaker and ShoWest honoree Todd Phillips, and “Dinner for Schmucks” for another ShoWest honoree, Jay Roach.

THR: Congrats on your award!

Galifianakis: I’m flattered; I’ve never won anything before. Well, I won at my friend’s Bingo game about a year ago, but I provided the prizes so it didn’t count.

The film has made you a recognizable face across the country – how do you feel about that?

My dad wants me to meet everyone he knows. I’m like, “Dad, will you stop talking to people about me please?” When I go back to my small town, he tricks me. He’s like, “Wanna go get a cheeseburger?” I’m like, “Yeah!” And then he derails it by taking me to see his friends.

How are you handling fame?

It’s a little bit strange. But I’m 40 years old. If I were in my 20s, this whole thing would probably freak me out. Don’t worry though, I’m sure I’ll fuck this up somehow.

If this success came to you at 20, what do you think you’d have done?

I’d have probably built a swimming pool in Central Park — without getting a permit.

Are you living the good life now?

I wear gold shoelaces now.

If “The Hangover” hadn’t happened, what would you be doing now?

I was making a living doing stand up, but I wouldn’t have done it for much longer. I bought a farm and was trying to figure out how to be a farmer. I was just gonna grow food, shoot squirrels and live off my land. I’m still trying to figure out how to do that.

But then “The Hangover” came out and became the highest grossing R-Rated comedy of all time. Do you remember the first R-Rated movie you saw in a theater?

“Hot Dog… The Movie.” I went with my friend but I told my mom I was gonna go see “Yentl.” She knew what we did. She picked us up at the theater afterwards and was like, “How was ‘Yentl?’” She wanted a full report. I was like, “Well, you know mom, they’re really not our people…”

What was your first date movie?

“Eddie Murphy Raw.” I know, a terrible thing to choose, but I wanted to see it. Eddie Murphy was wearing that fancy leather suit. But she became my high school sweetheart. She was four inches taller than me.

Awww, what a happy ending.

Yes, it sure was!!! (laughs) Just kidding!