Zach Galifianakis Admits It: ‘I Cheated’ to Get an Emmy Nomination (Video)

EmmyWrap Magazine: “Look, I haven’t watched TV since “Little House on the Prairie,'” actor tells TheWrap

A version of this story on Zach Galifiankis first appeared in the Down to the Wire issue of TheWrap’s Emmy magazine.

Last year, Louie Anderson was a surprise Emmy nominee – and then a surprise winner – for his role as the mother of Zach Galifianakis’ rodeo-clown character on FX’s comedy “Baskets.” And this year, the oddball show got recognition for its leading man, with Galifianakis landing his fifth Emmy nomination, and his first for this show.

(Three of others, including his two wins, came for producing “Between Two Ferns,” while one came for hosting “Saturday Night Live.”)

This season was the second for “Baskets,” with Galifianakis playing not only the hapless clown, Chip Baskets, but also his brother Dale. At least, that’s what the credits say …

“Can I admit something?” the newly slimmed-down Galifianakis told TheWrap. “I don’t play two roles. Another actor, Josh Gad, plays the twin brother.”

He paused. “Not true, I just like to say Josh Gad. I don’t think I would have been nominated if I didn’t play two roles. Let’s be honest. I think that’s the only reason I got nominated — they were like, “Oh, he plays two guys? That’s pretty good.”

“I think I kind of cheated, and that’s how I got in.”

Asked if he’s a binge-watcher or a once-a-weeker, Galifianakis demurred. “Look, I haven’t watched TV since ‘Little House on the Prairie,’” he said. “I don’t know any of the other shows that are nominated. Do I have to know that stuff?”

See TheWrap’s video interview with Galifianakis above.

EmmyWrap Down To The Wire COVER 2017

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