West Chester Native Turns Galifianakis Resemblance Into Full-Time Job
By Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - He bears an uncanny resemblance to a character in a successful movie franchise. That and a "why-not" attitude have led to success in Sin City for a West Chester native.
"I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolfpack." – Zack Galifianakis, The Hangover.
Probably the most memorable performance in 'The Hangover' -- Part 3 of which is out on DVD today -- comes from Alan, played by Zach Galifianakis.
"The craziest part of it is that everyone thinks that I'm him." Thaddeus Kalinoski says two years ago, when the second Hangover installment hit theatres, he was in a job rut. So, he grew a beard, threw on some shades, and all of the sudden, "It just clicked. I went out and immediately people are looking at me, they want their picture taken with me."
A Las Vegas vacation sealed the deal.
"As soon as I hit the Vegas Strip, people were just on me."
Now, he lives in Sin City full-time. As an "Alan" impersonator, he's booked for everything from convention appearances to bachelor parties.
"On a daily basis, women like to kiss me and do strange things. It's a different world; it's definitely an adult playground."
Kalinoski won't confirm rumors that impersonating Alan nets him a couple hundred grand a year, but says the 'real' Zach is cool with his tribute act.
"He loves the idea, he's very amused. He just said 'as long as you make sure it's clear you're not me.'"
Kalinoski was a stand-in for the 'real' Zach on The Hangover Part III and is planning to take his act on a cross-country tour this winter.
