Verne Troyer, the actor most known for playing Mini-Me in the AUSTIN POWERS movies has passed away at the age of 49. No cause of death has been listed at this time, but the actor was admitted to the hospital earlier this month and was eventually treated for alcohol poisoning. During that time it was noted on his Instagram page that he was "getting the best care possible."
A statement on Troyer’s official Facebook account addresses the actor's past struggles with alcoholism and depression and asks people to donate money to several of his favorite charities.
It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today.
Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with theplatform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.
He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film & television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s & personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing. Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know.
Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately.
Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Verne’s name to either of his two favorite charities; The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies.
Born with achondroplasia dwarfism, Troyer stood 2 foot, 8-inches tall and was known as one of the world’s smallest people. He started appearing in movies in the 90s, having roles in JINGLE ALL THE WAY, MEN IN BLACK and FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. He eventually nabbed the role that would gain him instant notoriety in AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME as Mini-Me, the evil clone of Dr. Evil (Mike Myers). He would also go on to star in the movie’s sequel, AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, as well as having parts in HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE, BUBBLE BOY, THE LOVE GURU, and THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS.
Though he continued to act and post videos on his YouTube channel, the actor suffered some health issues over the last few years, including suffering a seizure in 2015 and going into rehab for alcohol addiction last year. “As you know, I’ve battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it’s not always been an easy fight, I’m willing to continue my fight day by day,” he wrote last year. “I want to thank everyone that’s reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this.”
Like many, I came to notice Troyer for his hilarious work in the POWERS movies, and he has given me hours and hours of joy over the years as I've revisited the movies again and again. He was a talented and inspirational man who will be remembered dearly, and we here at JoBlo send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.