Zach Galifianakis’ Heartwarming Friendship with Homeless Woman: A Story of Compassion and Loyalty
Hollywood 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 “Mimi” Haist, a woman whose life he touched in ways few could have imagined.
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—a 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.
An Unlikely Friendship Begins
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.
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.
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.
A Lifelong Commitment to Helping Mimi
As Galifianakis’ 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.
Later, as Galifianakis’ fame grew, he introduced Mimi to actress Renée Zellweger, who also became involved in helping Mimi. Zellweger assisted in furnishing Mimi’s new apartment, ensuring she had everything she needed to live comfortably. Reflecting on the generosity shown to her, Mimi said: “I really appreciate Zach and Renée for everything they’ve done. I have a place to live now and my own bed.”
Mimi’s 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’ compassion for Mimi went beyond merely ensuring she had a roof over her head.
The Red Carpet Treatment
As Galifianakis’ 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.
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. “If he’s in town, he takes me,” Mimi shared. “I dress up nice, and a friend helps me with my makeup. It’s fun, not something I’ve ever dreamed I’d experience.”
While Galifianakis has admitted that he isn’t fond of red carpets, he said that having Mimi by his side made the experience more enjoyable. “I like to see her in that atmosphere. Somehow she fits in, in a very strange way,” he said. Their friendship stood out, not only for its sincerity but also for the way it bridged two seemingly different worlds.
A Star in Her Own Right
Mimi’s story was so inspiring that it caught the attention of filmmaker Yaniv Rokah, who directed a documentary about her life, titled Queen Mimi. The film chronicled Mimi’s journey from homelessness to her life in the spotlight with Galifianakis.
Rokah was intrigued by Mimi’s resilience and her unshakable spirit, saying, “I wanted to know who she is, why she’s there, what her story is.” As the documentary gained attention, Mimi became somewhat of a local celebrity, with customers at the laundromat recognizing her from the film and telling her she was famous.
Despite the newfound attention, Mimi remained humble, continuing to work at the laundromat and clean the dryers because, as she put it, “nobody else can do the job as well as I can.” Even as she brushed shoulders with Hollywood’s elite, Mimi never lost touch with her roots or her sense of purpose.
The Legacy of Kindness
Unfortunately, Mimi passed away in late 2021, but her memory—and the impact she had on Zach Galifianakis’ life—lives on. Their friendship was a testament to the power of kindness and loyalty, transcending the barriers of age, class, and circumstance.
Galifianakis’ enduring friendship with Mimi, and his continued care for her, highlights the side of celebrity rarely seen in headlines. It serves as a reminder that even in the often superficial world of Hollywood, genuine connections and selfless acts of kindness can flourish.
In an industry filled with fleeting relationships, Galifianakis’ bond with Mimi stands out as a beautiful example of what it means to truly care for another person, even when the cameras aren’t rolling.