\nHollywood is often a place where glitz, glamour, and superficiality dominate the headlines. Yet, every so often, a story emerges that reminds us of the humanity and kindness that still exist behind the fame. Such is the case with comedian Zach Galifianakis and his remarkable relationship with Marie \u201cMimi\u201d Haist, a woman whose life he touched in ways few could have imagined.\n
While Galifianakis is widely known for his breakout role in The Hangover franchise and his signature awkward humor, his behind-the-scenes acts of compassion reveal another side of him\u2014a humble man who never forgot the people who stood by him before fame knocked at his door. Among those people was Mimi, an elderly homeless woman whom Galifianakis befriended long before he became a household name.\n
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In 1994, long before his rise to stardom, Zach Galifianakis moved to Los Angeles with dreams of making it big in comedy. Like many aspiring entertainers, he took on odd jobs and performed stand-up routines in small venues, such as the backrooms of burger joints, where he hoped to catch the attention of Hollywood insiders. While navigating his early days in LA, Galifianakis frequently visited Fox Laundry, a local laundromat where he met Mimi Haist.\n
Mimi, then in her 80s, was living a life of quiet resilience. Having been married and later divorced, she found herself homeless, surviving on the tips she earned by volunteering at the laundromat. With nowhere else to go, Mimi lived at the laundromat, sleeping between the washing machines, and maintaining an upbeat attitude despite her circumstances.\n
It was at Fox Laundry that Galifianakis first crossed paths with Mimi, and the two struck up an unlikely friendship. Despite their different backgrounds and life experiences, they formed a bond that would last for decades.\n
As Galifianakis\u2019 career slowly took off, he never forgot about Mimi and her situation. Despite his own financial struggles at the time, he promised to help her find a more comfortable place to live. True to his word, Galifianakis secured an apartment for Mimi, ensuring she no longer had to sleep in the laundromat. It was a gesture that Mimi could not have expected, but one that changed her life profoundly.\n
Later, as Galifianakis\u2019 fame grew, he introduced Mimi to actress Ren\u00e9e Zellweger, who also became involved in helping Mimi. Zellweger assisted in furnishing Mimi\u2019s new apartment, ensuring she had everything she needed to live comfortably. Reflecting on the generosity shown to her, Mimi said: \u201cI really appreciate Zach and Ren\u00e9e for everything they\u2019ve done. I have a place to live now and my own bed.\u201d\n
Mimi\u2019s situation improved even further when she began receiving her Social Security payments, allowing her to cover her daily expenses. However, her bond with Galifianakis extended far beyond material help. The two remained close friends, and Galifianakis\u2019 compassion for Mimi went beyond merely ensuring she had a roof over her head.\n
As Galifianakis\u2019 career took off, Mimi found herself being treated to experiences most people only dream of. Whenever the comedian had a movie premiere or a Hollywood event to attend, he would often invite Mimi as his date. Despite her humble background, Mimi handled the Hollywood spotlight with grace and a sense of humor.\n
For red carpet events, Galifianakis ensured Mimi was taken care of, from helping her pick out an outfit to ensuring she had a limo to take her home afterward. \u201cIf he\u2019s in town, he takes me,\u201d Mimi shared. \u201cI dress up nice, and a friend helps me with my makeup. It\u2019s fun, not something I\u2019ve ever dreamed I\u2019d experience.\u201d\n
While Galifianakis has admitted that he isn\u2019t fond of red carpets, he said that having Mimi by his side made the experience more enjoyable. \u201cI like to see her in that atmosphere. Somehow she fits in, in a very strange way,\u201d he said. Their friendship stood out, not only for its sincerity but also for the way it bridged two seemingly different worlds.\n