For a lot of movie fans, The Hangover was the first glimpse of the awesome beard of comedian/actor Zach Galifianakis.

Those that have seen his standup act before know it plays a big role in his comedy. On Saturday Night Live, it featured prominently in his monologue.

But he proved just how far he’d be willing to take things for laughs by shaving it off just before the show’s final skit, then wearing a “stunt beard” during the closing.

Here, then, is a peek backstage at SNL at Zach shaving the beard and applying the fake:

Here’s the final skit, “Pageant Talk”:

Finally, here’s his monologue, which many around the Web consider the best so far this season:

So, Hoobastank’s here. NO?!

Thanks to Warming Glow for the help!