In the beginning of his career, Zach Galifianakis moved to Los Angeles. He wanted to be an actor, and started to work in small stand-up gigs.
In 1994, Zach met a woman, Marie “Mimi” Haist, who was working in a laundromat, and would live with the money she earned in there.
While Zach was living just around the corner of the laundromat, he met Mimi in there. After Mimi got divorced, she started to live on the streets. She found both work and a place to stay with the laundromat.
She lived in there for 20 years. When Zach learned that Mimi was living in there, he found an apartment for her and paid the rent. He then introduced Mimi to Renee Zellwegger, and they furnished her apartment.
“I really appreciate Zach and Renée for [everything they’ve done], I have a place to live now and my own bed. I now get my social security, so it helps me pay [for food] and my phone bill.” Mimi said.
When Zach had his breakthrough with “The Hangover” in 2009, he would bring Mimi with himself to the red-carpet events.
“I like to see her in that atmosphere. Somehow she fits in in a very strange way.” Zach said.
“If he’s in town, he takes me … I dress up nice, and a friend helps me with my makeup. It’s fun, not something I’ve ever dreamed I’d experience. The limo takes me home afterward.” Mimi said.
In 2016, Yaniv Rokah made a documentary about Mimi, which named “Queen Mimi.”
“I wanted to know who is she, why is she there, what is the story?” the director said.
Sadly, Marie “Mimi” Haist lost her life in 2021.
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