Gary Joseph Lachman (born December 24, 1955), also known as Gary Valentine, is an American writer and musician. He came to prominence in the mid-1970s as the bass guitarist for rock band Blondie. Since the 1990s, Lachman has written full-time, often about mysticism and occultism.
He has written more than 22 books on consciousness, culture, and the western esoteric tradition, written for journals in the US and UK, and lectured on his work in the US and Europe. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
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Gary Valentine Net Worth
Gary Valentine has a net worth of $2.5 million. Gary Valentine first began performing as a stand-up comedian in the early ’90s in New York. He relocated to Los Angeles after a successful appearance at the Montreal Comedy Festival. He appeared at many popular comedy clubs in Los Angeles and also on such talk shows as “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”.
In 1999, he began appearing in a supporting role on the hit comedy, “The King of Queens.” He remained with the show through its final season in 2007. He has also appeared in such films as, “Stuck On You,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Jack and Jill,” “Wrong,” and “Here Comes the Boom.” Gary’s brother is fellow comedian/actor Kevin James.
Early Life
Gary Valentine was born Gary Joseph Knipfing on November 22, 1961, in Mineola, New York. He is the son of Janet and Joseph Valentine Knipfing, Jr. His mother worked in a chiropractor’s office, while his father owned an insurance agency. His family is of German and Greek descent.
Valentine grew up in a Catholic household with his siblings Kevin and Leslie. Kevin later became an actor and comedian and adopted the name Kevin James. Valentine enjoyed entertaining and performing from a young age and became interested in stand-up comedy.
Career
Valentine began his stand-up comedy career in New York in various clubs and bars, assuming the stage name of Gary Valentine. He appeared at the Montreal Comedy Festival before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his comedy career. He lived with his brother, Kevin, who was also pursuing an entertainment career.
Gary performed on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He also had a recurring role on The King of Queens as Danny Heffernan from 1999 to 2007.
Personal Life
Valentine married Jackyline Alido in 1993. Valentine has continued to keep up with his comedy origins by occasionally performing stand-up.
He has also appeared as a frequent guest comedian on shows like “Comics Unleashed” and “Chelsea Lately”. He additionally appeared in the web series “Dusty Peacock”, which aired on Crackle.
Do Kevin James and Gary Valentine have the same parents?
Gary Valentine and Kevin James are brothers, sharing the same parents, Janet and Joseph Valentine Knipfing, Jr. This familial connection has not only enriched their personal lives but has also been a cornerstone of their professional collaborations.
Conclusion
Gary Valentine’s journey from a budding comedian to a seasoned actor and comedian with a net worth of $2.5 million is a narrative of dedication, talent, and the ability to keep audiences laughing. His contributions to comedy and entertainment have made him a cherished figure in the industry, with a legacy that continues to grow.
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FAQs about Gary Valentine
- How did Gary Valentine start his comedy career? Valentine began his comedy career performing stand-up in New York, honing his craft in clubs and bars before leaping television and film.
- What are some of Gary Valentine’s most notable roles? Beyond “The King of Queens,” Valentine has appeared in films like “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” and “Here Comes the Boom,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
- Has Gary Valentine written any shows or movies? While primarily known for his performances, Valentine has also contributed as a writer, particularly in the web series “Dusty Peacock” on Crackle.
- What is Gary Valentine’s relationship with Kevin James? Valentine and Kevin James are brothers, and their close relationship has led to numerous professional collaborations, enriching both their careers.
- Does Gary Valentine still do stand-up comedy? Yes, Valentine continues to perform stand-up, returning to his roots and connecting with audiences through his original medium of comedy.
