Austin Powers Star Verne Troyer Dead At 49

Variety reports that Verne Troyer, who played Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, has passed away at the age of 49. In addition to playing Dr. Evil’s sidekick, Troyer also played Griphook the Goblin in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. He also had roles in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Love Guru and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Troyer was one of the shortest men in the world, at a height of only 2’8″ due to achondroplasia dwarfism. He previously said that his parents “never treated me any different than my other average-sized siblings. I used to have to carry wood, feed the cows and pigs and farm animals.” He was born in Michigan in 1969. He had issues with alcohol abuse in the past and almost died from alcohol poisoning in 2002. Last year, he announced he would be going to a treatment center on Facebook.

The announcement of his passing was announced on his official Facebook page. The statement reads:

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.”

411 would like to give our condolences to his family, friends and fans. You can see some clips of his most famous role below.

https://youtu.be/tkmi_UTsjtE

https://youtu.be/9jZiKFLL6MI