Austin Powers actor Verne dies aged 49
VERNE TROYER, the actor who played Dr Evil’s sidekick Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies, has died aged 49.
The star, who was just 2ft 8in because of his genetic dwarfism, was rushed to hospital in Los Angeles earlier this month with alcohol poisoning and is believed to have spent several weeks on life support.
Troyer was placed under ‘involuntary psychiatric hold’ after his admission, with reports claiming he had made a suicide attempt.
He had long struggled with alcoholism and depression and had been in and out of rehab.
Last year he went public with his illness, saying: ‘While it’s not always been an easy fight, I’m willing to continue my fight day by day.’
His family said in a statement last night: ‘Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy and laugh.
‘He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination and attitude. 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 others than anyone could have imagined. Depression and suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.’
Troyer began his Hollywood career in 1994 as a stunt double in Baby’s Day Out, and found success as Mini-Me alongside Mike Myers in the 1999 Austin Powers film, The Spy Who Shagged Me, and the 2002 sequel Austin Powers: Goldmember. He became a fans’ favourite despite having almost no dialogue.
He also played Griphook the goblin in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, and appeared in TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother.