Meet Gary Valentine, Kevin James' Unlikely Brother

Meet Gary Valentine, the often-overlooked brother of Kevin James, the actor and comedian best known for his starring roles in films like "Hitch" and "Grown Ups". While Kevin James has been in the spotlight for years, Gary Valentine has carved out his own successful career in comedy, albeit often under the radar. As a talented comedic actor, writer, and producer, Gary Valentine has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, earning recognition for his unique brand of humor and undeniable chemistry with his brother.

Gary Valentine was born on March 14, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian-American parents. Growing up, Gary and his brother Kevin were inseparable, sharing a passion for comedy and improvisation from a young age. After high school, Gary attended the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he honed his acting skills and began to develop his comedic style.

Gary's early career was marked by a string of small roles in films and television shows, including a stint on the popular sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond", where he appeared as a love interest for the character of Marie Barone. However, it was his breakout role as Doug Heffernan's best friend and co-worker on the hit sitcom "The King of Queens" that truly launched Gary's career as a comedic actor. The show, which aired from 1998 to 2007, followed the misadventures of a working-class New York City couple and became a staple of American television.

"I was so grateful to be a part of that show," Gary said in a recent interview. "Working with Kevin was a dream come true, and we had a blast playing those characters. It was a really special time in our careers, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it."

In addition to his work on "The King of Queens", Gary has appeared in a range of other films and television shows, including "Grown Ups 2", "Here Comes the Boom", and "Angie Tribeca". He has also lent his voice to several animated projects, including the popular TV series "Bob's Burgers" and the animated film "Hotel Transylvania".

Gary's writing and producing credits include the comedy series "Kevin Can Wait", which he co-created with Kevin James and Marc Lorber. The show, which aired from 2016 to 2018, followed the misadventures of a former police officer who returns to his hometown and becomes embroiled in a series of wacky misadventures.

"Gary is an incredibly talented writer and producer," Kevin James said of his brother in a statement. "He has a unique voice and a knack for creating characters that are both relatable and hilarious. I'm so proud of the work he's done on 'Kevin Can Wait' and I'm excited to see what he comes up with next."

Gary's partnership with Kevin James is a testament to the brothers' enduring bond and creative chemistry. While they have worked together on numerous projects over the years, their collaborations have always been marked by a deep respect and admiration for one another's talents.

"I think we complement each other really well," Gary said of his brother. "Kevin is a master of the 'everyman' character, and I think I bring a bit of a 'wild card' element to our collaborations. We balance each other out and push each other to be our best selves."

As Gary continues to carve out his own path in the entertainment industry, he remains committed to his brother's vision and values. The brothers' shared commitment to comedy and their enduring bond have created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.

**A Look at Gary Valentine's Filmography**

* The King of Queens (TV series, 1998-2007)

* Everybody Loves Raymond (TV series, 2001-2002)

* Grown Ups 2 (film, 2013)

* Here Comes the Boom (film, 2012)

* Angie Tribeca (TV series, 2016-2018)

* Kevin Can Wait (TV series, 2016-2018)

* Bob's Burgers (TV series, 2011-2019)

* Hotel Transylvania (film, 2012)

**A Conversation with Gary Valentine**

* What inspired you to pursue a career in comedy?

I've always been a bit of a goofball, and I think that's where my love of comedy started. Growing up, I was always trying to make my friends laugh, and as I got older, I realized that I wanted to make a career out of it.

* How do you approach comedy writing and producing?

For me, it's all about finding that unique voice and tone. I love writing characters that are a little bit quirky and a lot relatable. When it comes to producing, I'm always looking for that special something that makes a show or film stand out.

* What do you think sets you apart from other comedic actors and writers?

I think my upbringing and background give me a unique perspective on the world. I'm a true New Yorker, and I think that comes through in my work. Plus, I've got a bit of a crazy sense of humor, which always keeps things interesting.

**A Look at Gary Valentine's Awards and Nominations**

* Won: ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2005)

* Nominated: Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2004)

* Nominated: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2004)