5 Surprising Facts About Gary Valentine: From The King Of Queens To His 2025 Stand-Up Tour

Gary Valentine, the beloved comedian and actor best known for his role as Danny Heffernan on the iconic sitcom *The King of Queens*, continues to be a powerhouse in the world of stand-up comedy and film as of December 2025. While many fans know him as the perpetually unlucky cousin of Doug Heffernan, Valentine’s career extends far beyond television, encompassing a successful run as a touring stand-up artist, a writer, and a frequent collaborator with his younger brother, Kevin James. His unique blend of hilarious storytelling and relatable, self-deprecating humor has kept him a top draw on the comedy circuit, with a full slate of tour dates scheduled deep into 2025. This deep dive offers the most current and comprehensive look at Gary Valentine’s life and career, from his early days in New York to his latest projects, including his 2024 comedy special hitting the streaming world and his active presence on the 2025 comedy tour circuit. We explore his full biography, his most memorable roles, and the distinct comedic style that has captivated audiences for decades, proving he is a comedic force in his own right.

Gary Valentine: Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Gary Valentine, born Gary Joseph Knipfing, has carved out a successful career as an American actor, comedian, and writer. His professional journey began in the early 1990s in New York, quickly establishing him as a prominent figure in the stand-up scene before his breakthrough into television and film.

• Full Name: Gary Joseph Knipfing
• Stage Name: Gary Valentine
• Date of Birth: November 22, 1961
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 64 Years Old
• Birth Place: Mineola, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Stand-up Comedian, Writer
• Known For: Danny Heffernan on The King of Queens, Kevin on Kevin Can Wait, and various roles in films with Kevin James.
• Sibling: Kevin James (Younger Brother, Actor/Comedian)
• Spouse: Jackyline Knipfing
• Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 Million
• Career Highlights: Starred in his own half-hour special for Comedy Central, major roles in *Paul Blart: Mall Cop* and *Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2*, and a recurring role in the FX series *Fargo*.

The Enduring Appeal of Gary Valentine’s Stand-Up Comedy

While his acting roles have brought him widespread recognition, stand-up comedy remains the core of Gary Valentine’s artistic identity. His style is characterized by a hilarious, observational take on everyday life, often featuring self-deprecating humor, especially concerning his weight and family dynamics.

Valentine’s material is highly relatable, drawing heavily on the absurdities of marriage, aging, and the differences between growing up in New York versus life in Los Angeles. This connection with the audience ensures that his live shows are consistently sold out, cementing his status as a top-tier touring comedian.

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2025 Comedy Tour and His Hulu Special

Fans eager to see Valentine live have plenty of opportunities, as he is actively touring throughout 2025. The "2025 Comedy Tour" is a continuation of his commitment to the live stage, where he delivers fresh material alongside classic bits.

A major development in his career visibility occurred in 2024 when his first comedy special, Messing with People, was added to Hulu’s streaming library. This move introduced his stand-up work to a massive new audience, allowing fans who know him only from his sitcom roles to experience his raw, stage-based comedic talent. The special showcases his signature storytelling, providing a deeper look into the mind of the man behind the characters.

The Kevin James Connection: A Comedic Dynasty

It is impossible to discuss Gary Valentine without acknowledging his famous younger brother, Kevin James. Born Garold Joseph Knipfing and Kevin George Knipfing, the two brothers have maintained a strong professional and personal relationship, often collaborating on projects.

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This familial tie has been a cornerstone of Valentine’s career, leading to some of his most memorable roles. Their collaboration is a testament to the lack of sibling rivalry, instead fostering a powerful comedic partnership that benefits both of their careers.

Key Collaborative Roles and Entities:

• Danny Heffernan (*The King of Queens*, 1998–2007): Valentine’s most famous role was as Danny, the cousin of Kevin James’ character, Doug Heffernan. Danny’s storylines, which often involved his disastrous love life and schemes, made him a fan favorite throughout the show’s nine-season run.
• Kyle Gable (*Kevin Can Wait*, 2016–2018): The brothers reunited for the CBS comedy *Kevin Can Wait*, where Gary played Kyle Gable, Kevin’s on-screen brother.
• Paul Blart Film Series: Valentine appeared in both *Paul Blart: Mall Cop* (2009) and *Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2* (2015), showcasing his ability to deliver physical comedy alongside his brother.
• Other Films: Their joint filmography also includes roles in *I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry* (2007) and *Grown Ups* (2010), demonstrating their continued creative synergy.

Beyond the Sitcom: Other Notable Career Projects

While the Heffernan universe dominates his TV legacy, Valentine has built a diverse resume outside of his work with Kevin James. His dedication to acting and writing highlights his versatility as an entertainer.

• Dramatic Turn in *Fargo*: Valentine demonstrated his range by taking on a recurring role in the critically acclaimed FX anthology series *Fargo*, a departure from his typical comedic roles.
• Writing and Producing: He has also contributed as a writer to *The King of Queens* and served as a co-producer for TV movies like *The Dog Who Saved Summer*, part of the popular *The Dog Who Saved...* series, where he also starred.
• Early Stand-Up Exposure: Before his sitcom fame, Valentine was a staple on the stand-up circuit, which led to his own half-hour special on Comedy Central, a significant milestone for any comedian.
• Web Series: He also starred in the Crackle comedic web series *Dusty Peacock*, further exploring his writing and performing talents in the digital space.

From his humble beginnings as Gary Joseph Knipfing to his status as the hilarious, touring comedian and actor Gary Valentine, his career is a testament to the power of hard work and familial collaboration. With his stand-up special Messing with People now streaming and a busy 2025 touring schedule, Valentine continues to delight audiences, proving that the comedic genius behind Danny Heffernan is still very much in his prime.

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