One of the most beloved actors and comedians in Hollywood had humble beginnings and lived a much different life to the one he currently does. Still, one woman has been a constant in his world and their story spanned years.
A man moved to LA when he was beginning his career in comedy. He had plans to be a star, but as with all other stars, he had to start small and work his way up to his big break. The aspiring actor and comedian did this by working odd jobs and doing stand-up gigs.
The gigs he frequented were in the back of burger joints where he could show off his talent before landing any significant roles. While meeting Hollywood directors was important, the man made other important friends along the way who woud remain part of his life for years.
While his gigs changed his life for the better, the woman that kept him company during those years was someone he met in the most unlikely place. It turned out that the pair would become a formidable team in years to come.
Meeting Mimi
It was 1994 when the actor met a woman that would significantly impact his life in the years to come. When she met the actor, Marie “Mimi” Haist was volunteering in a laundromat, surviving off tips left by customers.The actor frequented the laundromat where Haist was volunteering because he lived right around the corner from it. While their first meeting was over 20 years ago, the pair maintained a strong bond throughout the actor’s career in Hollywood.
Although Haist had been married earlier in her life, when she met the actor, she had been alone for quite some time. After she got divorced, she lived on the streets and began looking for a place to work or sleep. She found both of those things in one place.
Haist began working at the laundromat, where her boss allowed her to live for almost 20 years. Haist revealed that she would sleep between the washing and drying machines so customers couldn’t see her.
After Haist and the actor met and struck up a friendship, he found out that Haist was living at the laundromat and told her that he would find her a place to live comfortably. Although the actor was not yet successful, he found and paid for an apartment for Haist.
Later, the actor introduced Haist to Reneé Zellwegger, who helped Haist furnish her apartment. While Haist was unaware of who the actor was, she immediately recognized Zellwegger and was excited to meet her.
Later, the actor introduced Haist to Reneé Zellwegger, who helped Haist furnish her apartment. While Haist was unaware of who the actor was, she immediately recognized Zellwegger and was excited to meet her.
While the actor has made an impact on Haist’s life, she had somebody else to thank as well. Haist extended her gratitude toward Zellwegger and the actor for all they had done by saying:
“I really appreciate [the actor] 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.”