The young comedian came to Los Angeles with hopes of stardom and spent the early stages of his career doing odd jobs and performing at various venues. It was during this period that he met a woman in the most unexpected of circumstances, and that encounter turned into a surprising and lasting connection that would have a profound impact on both of their lives.

The woman in question was Marie “Mimi” Heist. They met at a local laundromat he frequented near his home. Mimi, who was volunteering at the establishment at the time, relied on tips to survive. Despite the stark difference in the circumstances of their first meeting, they developed a deep friendship that would last more than two decades and touch the actor’s subsequent journey to Hollywood.

Mimi’s life before meeting the actor was not easy: after a divorce, she became homeless, and then found a unique and somewhat hidden existence, living in the laundromat itself for almost twenty years with the permission of her employer, sleeping unnoticed between the machines.

Upon learning of Mimi’s situation, the actor, who had yet to achieve significant success, decided to help her. He found and paid for an apartment for her, providing Mimi with a comfortable home for the first time in many years. He later introduced Mimi to actress Renee Zellweger, who helped her furnish her new living space. Although Mimi was unaware of the actor’s growing fame, she immediately recognized Zellweger, which added a touch of surreal delight to her newfound comfort. Mimi expressed deep gratitude to the actor and Zellweger for their life-changing kindness, and acknowledged that they provided her with security and dignity.

The actor in this heart-wrenching story is Zach Galifianakis, whose breakout role in 2009’s The Hangover cemented his career and deepened his bond with Mimi.

Zach Galifianakis and Mimi Heist’s unique friendship gained attention thanks to the 2016 documentary Queen Mimi, which explored her life story and unexpected connection to the Hollywood star. Director Yaniv Rok was drawn to Mimi’s intriguing presence and the mystery surrounding her life.

Sadly, Mimi passed away in late 2021, but her amazing life and the extraordinary friendship she shared with Galifianakis continues to inspire, immortalized in the documentary.