'Austin Powers' Star Dead at 49

By Keeley Brooks April 21, 2018 at 3:32pm

In the late 90s and early 2000s, the “Austin Powers” movie series took audiences by storm. It was the brain child of the film’s star, Mike Myers.

Everyone was jumping on “secret agent bandwagon,” reciting famous quotes from the films and giving new life to the songs of Burt Bacharach and Tom Jones.

The time-traveling comedy’s hit cast became household names and bloomed a few of them to instant stardom.

Austin Powers pic.twitter.com/MvlgPKFtVc

— Best Movie Line (@BestMovieLine) March 15, 2016

One of those cast members was Verne Troyer, who played “Mini Me” in two of the “Austin Powers” series films.

“Mini Me” was the misbehaving, miniature clone of Dr. Evil, who was played by Myers.

Troyer was one of the world’s shortest people, measuring 2 feet 8 inches tall, caused by achondroplasia dwarfism which stopped his growth.

The actor once joked in an interview with CNN that after appearing in “Austin Powers” he would go out in public with a hat and sunglasses on, “but it just doesn’t seem to work.”

His humor and caring personality was infectious. That’s why the sudden news of his passing came as a shock to friends and fans, alike.

“Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh,” a statement posted to his social media read. “Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message every day.”

Troyer was just 49 years old.

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 the platform 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. Photo by @paulmobleystudio

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on Apr 21, 2018 at 12:58pm PDT

No cause of death has been released at the time of this posting, but many suspect it may have to do with struggles with depression or alcoholism.

Troyer was in the hospital earlier this month due to alcohol poisoning and suicidal threats.

“Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles,” the same statement noted. “Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.”

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

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