When Zach Galifianakis met Marie “Mimi” Haist, she was volunteering in a laundromat, surviving off tips left by customers. She was only allowed to sleep between the washers and dryers so customers couldn’t see her.
Haist revealed that she became homeless after her divorce and had been on the streets for decades. Even though Galifianakis was an unknown comedian at the time, he found a comfortable apartment for her and paid her rent.
Galifianakis became a Hollywood star after filming alongside Bradley Cooper in the “Hangover” movie trilogy. However, his fame didn’t affect his heart, and he remained down-to-earth.
He maintained a strong bond with Haist and even walked a red carpet with her as his date.
“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,” revealed Haist.
Their friendship lasted nearly 27 years until she died at 96 years old.
