If you’ve ever watched The King of Queens and thought, "Man, Doug and Danny really look like they could be related," you weren’t just imagining it. They are. In fact, Gary Valentine is the older brother of Kevin James, and the two have been a package deal in Hollywood for decades.
But here is the thing. Most people assume Gary just rode his brother’s coattails to fame. It’s a common misconception. Honestly, if you look at the timeline, it was actually Gary who hit the stand-up stage first. He was the one paving the way while Kevin was still figuring out his path.
The story of the Knipfing brothers (yes, that’s their real last name) is one of the most underrated partnerships in comedy history. They’ve shared apartments, writing credits, and more screen time than almost any other sibling duo in the industry.
The Knipfing Roots: Why the Name Change?
Before they were household names, they were just two kids from Mineola, New York. Gary was born Garold Joseph Knipfing in 1961, making him about four years older than Kevin. Their dad, Joseph, owned an insurance agency, and their mom, Janet, worked in a chiropractor’s office.
It was a pretty standard suburban upbringing on Long Island.
Eventually, when they decided to go into show business, the "Knipfing" name had to go. It’s a bit of a mouthful for a marquee. Kevin chose "James" as a tribute to a favorite teacher, while Gary went with "Valentine," which was actually his father’s middle name.
It worked.
Gary started doing stand-up in the late 80s and early 90s. He was a natural. He was landing spots on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien while Kevin was still finding his voice. In the early days, they even lived together in a small apartment, grinding out sets at comedy clubs and helping each other write material. That bond—forged in the trenches of the New York comedy scene—is why you see them together so often today.
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More Than Just Cousin Danny on The King of Queens
When Kevin James landed The King of Queens in 1998, he didn’t just get his brother a "pity role." Gary Valentine played Danny Heffernan, Doug’s lovable, slightly dim-witted cousin.
Danny wasn't supposed to be a main fixture initially.
However, the chemistry was undeniable. You can’t fake the kind of bickering they did on screen—that’s pure sibling energy. Gary ended up appearing in over 80 episodes. But his contribution went deeper than just acting; he actually wrote several episodes of the show.
Breaking Down Gary’s Biggest Roles
If you think he only exists in the King of Queens universe, you’ve missed a lot of great stuff. Gary has been a staple in the Happy Madison crew for years. You’ll spot him in:
- Paul Blart: Mall Cop (and the sequel)
- I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
- The Zookeeper
- Here Comes the Boom
- Home Team
He’s basically the secret weapon of the Kevin James cinematic universe.
The Kevin Can Wait "Brother" Dynamic
In 2016, Kevin James returned to sitcoms with Kevin Can Wait. This time, the casting was even more on the nose. Gary Valentine was cast as Kyle Gable, Kevin’s brother.
Finally, they weren’t playing cousins.
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The show itself had some... let’s call them "creative shifts" (like the infamous decision to kill off Erinn Hayes' character to bring in Leah Remini). But through all the turbulence of that show, the Gary and Kevin dynamic remained the anchor. Gary played a fireman, and much of the comedy stemmed from their "who is the bigger hero" rivalry.
It felt authentic because, in many ways, it was. They’ve been competing and collaborating since they were kids putting on shows for their parents in the living room.
Is There a Sibling Rivalry?
People always ask if Gary feels overshadowed. It’s a fair question. Kevin is the global movie star with the multi-million dollar deals. Gary is often the "supporting guy."
But by all accounts? No.
Gary has been very vocal about how much he loves the setup. He gets to work with his best friend (who happens to be his brother), film on Long Island near his roots, and still maintain a successful stand-up career on the side. He’s also carved out his own niche in projects Kevin isn't involved in, like his recurring role in the first season of the critically acclaimed series Fargo.
He also spent years as a regular on Chelsea Handler’s Chelsea Lately, proving he could hold his own in a room full of acerbic comics without his brother’s name attached to the project.
The Real Power of the Valentine-James Connection
What most people get wrong about the brother of Kevin James is the idea that Gary is a secondary character in Kevin's life. In reality, they are a creative team.
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They still tour together. They still do theater shows in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They still write jokes for each other.
There’s a level of trust there that you just don't find with hired writers or co-stars. When you see Gary pop up in a movie, it’s not just "Kevin helping his brother." It’s Kevin bringing in the person who understands his comedic timing better than anyone else on the planet.
What You Can Learn from Gary Valentine's Career
Gary’s trajectory is actually a pretty great lesson in longevity and professional loyalty. He didn’t try to be "The Next Kevin James." He found a niche as a high-level character actor and writer while maintaining a stand-up career that keeps him sharp.
If you’re looking to follow his work or understand the "Valentine style," here are the best ways to engage:
- Watch the Stand-up: Seek out his Comedy Central Presents special. It shows a different side of him than the "Danny Heffernan" persona.
- Look for the Writer Credits: Check the credits on your favorite King of Queens episodes. Seeing which ones Gary wrote gives you a sense of his specific brand of humor.
- Catch a Live Show: He still tours comedy clubs regularly. His live energy is much more raw and "Long Island" than his TV roles might suggest.
Gary Valentine isn't just the "brother of Kevin James." He’s the foundation of a comedy brand that has lasted over thirty years. Whether he's playing a mall cop, a fireman, or a bumbling cousin, he’s one of the few actors who managed to turn a family bond into a legitimate Hollywood institution.
Next time you’re flipping through cable and The King of Queens is on, pay closer attention to Danny. That’s not just a sidekick; that’s the guy who started it all for the Knipfing family.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check local listings for the Kevin James and Gary Valentine Theater Tour; they often do small-run tours together that aren't widely advertised.
- Watch Fargo Season 1 to see Gary's range outside of the "Happy Madison" comedy style—his performance as Deputy Knudsen is surprisingly grounded.
- Explore the web series Dusty Peacock on Crackle, which features some of the brothers' more experimental comedic work together.