‘Austin Powers’ Actor Verne Troyer Dead at 49
Heartbreaking news has hit Hollywood once again. According to a report from TMZ, actor Verne Troyer has died. He was 49 years old.
The actor, best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise, passed away on Saturday (April 21), according to a statement from his family. "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the family wrote on Instagram.
"Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles," the statement continued. "Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much."
Troyer was reportedly on some form of life support since being taken to the hospital earlier this month after police received a report that he was drunk and suicidal, but a cause of death has not been revealed. The family adds that during his recent time of adversity, Troyer was baptized while surrounded by his loved ones.
Born with the genetic disorder known as achondroplasia dwarfism, Troyer was known for his short stature but became popular thanks to roles in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. The actor later starred on the reality television shows Celebrity Wife Swap and The Surreal Life.
Check out the family's statement about Troyer's passing below.