“Hangover III” star Zach Galifiana­kis gave up boozing after a terrifying confrontation with two thugs.

The 43-year-old comedy star – who made headlines for escorting an 87-year-old “homeless” lady to his movie premiere – changed his life forever after walking home tipsy one night in New York City.

“I’d gotten into the whiskey and was listen­ing to my headphones,” he recently told Conan O’Brien.

Suddenly a Jaguar cut him off while he was crossing the street, and he angrily walloped the car on its side as it sped by.

Zach kept walking until he felt a tap on his shoul­der.

“I turn around and there’s TWO 6-foot-6 guys. And they both, at the same time, spit in my face.

“I remember reach­ing into a trash can and grabbing a beer bottle, and saying to myself out loud, ‘Nobody spits in Zach Galifianakis’ face!’

“I threw the beer bottle at the car…and it missed,” he told Conan.

Fortunately for Zach, the driver kept going.

Now completely sober, he still remains an unpredictable free spirit. Although happily married, Zach had another woman on his arm at the premiere of his new film – senior citizen Eliz­abeth “Mimi” Haist.

He first met her in 1994 when he was a struggling comic and she was barely surviving on tips she got for assisting people at the Laundromat he used.

The two became friends but fell out of touch when the first “Hangover” movie rocketed Zach to fame. Then, two years ago, he learned his old pal had become homeless.

Heartbroken, the incredibly gener­ous performer got her an apartment and pays the rent.

Now, thanks to her famous guard­ian angel, the Santa Monica senior says she even has a publicist and she’s seeking $5,000 per inter­view.

“I love Zach and will never be able to thank him enough for everything he’s done,” Mimi told The ENQUIRER. “And being with him at the ‘Hangover III’ pre­miere was one of the best nights of my life!”