Actor Zach Galifianakis, known for his role in “The Hangover”, has touched the hearts of fans with his act of kindness towards a homeless woman. Despite his efforts to keep it private, the news of his generosity became known and resonated with many.
Zach first met Marie ‘Mimi’ Haist, a homeless woman living in a laundromat in Santa Monica, when he was an aspiring actor. Mimi, who had previously lost her home after divorcing her unfaithful husband, had been living in a van before it was towed away, leaving her no choice but to sleep on the streets.
On a cold and rainy night, a janitor took pity on Mimi and allowed her to stay in the local laundromat until the morning. She charmed the owner and was given permission to stay as long as she needed. Mimi made ends meet by helping people with their laundry, earning enough money for food and drinks.
For 20 years, Mimi lived in the laundromat, sleeping on a plastic lawn chair between the washing machines and dryers. It was during this time that she met and befriended Zach, who was struggling to make it as an actor in the 90s. When Zach learned about Mimi’s living conditions, he found her a comfortable apartment and started paying her rent, even though he hadn’t achieved success himself yet.
Despite his attempts to keep his act of kindness low-key, Zach took Mimi as his date to the red carpet event of “The Hangover” in 2009, where their friendship was put on display. The documentary “Queen Mimi,” released in 2015, immortalized Mimi’s life and revealed Zach’s selfless gesture towards her. Filmmaker Yaniv Rokah, who discovered Mimi while working at a coffee shop across from the laundromat, captured their days together on film using his iPhone 4.
Mimi cherished her friendship with Zach and Renée Zellweger, whom Zach introduced to help furnish her new apartment. Despite their fame, Mimi considered them genuine friends. With a place to call home and financial support, Mimi was grateful for her improved circumstances as she received her social security benefits and was able to cover her expenses.
Though no longer homeless, Mimi continued to visit the laundromat every day, where she kept herself busy and taught others how to do their laundry. Customers would recognize her and express their admiration, which always surprised her. Sadly, Mimi passed away in 2021 at the age of 96, just months after celebrating her birthday with Renée Zellweger.
Zach Galifianakis’s act of kindness towards Marie ‘Mimi’ Haist serves as an inspiring example of compassion, reminding us of the positive impact we can have on someone’s life.
