A young comedian arrived in Los Angeles with aspirations of stardom, navigating the initial stages of his career by juggling odd jobs with stand-up gigs in unconventional venues like the back of burger joints. While these early performances were crucial for honing his craft and hoping to connect with industry professionals, they also led to the formation of significant friendships that would endure throughout his life. It was during this formative period that he encountered a woman in a most unexpected setting, a meeting that would blossom into a remarkable and enduring bond, shaping both of their lives in profound ways.

In 1994, the aspiring actor’s life intersected with Marie “Mimi” Haist at a local laundromat he frequented near his residence. Mimi, then volunteering at the establishment, relied on the generosity of customer tips for survival. Despite the starkly different circumstances of their initial encounter, a strong friendship blossomed between the two, lasting over two decades and spanning the actor’s subsequent rise in Hollywood. Mimi’s life before meeting the actor had been challenging; following a divorce, she had experienced homelessness before finding a unique and somewhat hidden existence, living within the laundromat itself for nearly twenty years with the permission of her employer, sleeping discreetly between the machines.

Upon discovering Mimi’s living situation, the actor, even before achieving significant success, was moved to help. He found and personally financed an apartment for her, providing Mimi with a comfortable and stable home for the first time in years. Later, he introduced Mimi to actress Reneé Zellweger, who further assisted by furnishing her new living space. While Mimi was unaware of the actor’s burgeoning fame, she immediately recognized Zellweger, adding a touch of surreal excitement to her newfound comfort. Mimi expressed deep gratitude towards both the actor and Zellweger for their life-changing kindness, acknowledging the security and dignity they had provided.

The actor in this heartwarming story is Zach Galifianakis, whose breakthrough role in “The Hangover” in 2009 solidified his career and amplified his bond with Mimi. As Galifianakis navigated the world of Hollywood premieres and events, he consistently invited Mimi to be his date, offering her a taste of a life she had never imagined. Despite his own discomfort with the fanfare of red carpets, Galifianakis expressed genuine pleasure in sharing these experiences with Mimi, noting her unique way of fitting into that glamorous atmosphere. Mimi, in turn, described these outings as fun and surreal, appreciating the opportunity to dress up and be escorted home in a limousine.

The unique friendship between Zach Galifianakis and Mimi Haist garnered further attention with the 2016 documentary “Queen Mimi,” which explored her life story and unexpected connection to the Hollywood star. Director Yaniv Rokah was drawn to Mimi’s intriguing presence and the mystery surrounding her life. Following the film’s release, Mimi became a local celebrity among the laundromat’s patrons, though she continued her work there, diligently cleaning the dryers. Despite a difficult past, Mimi maintained a resilient spirit and positive outlook, never considering herself truly homeless. Sadly, Mimi passed away in late 2021, but her remarkable life and the extraordinary friendship she shared with Galifianakis continue to inspire, immortalized in her documentary.