Austin Powers Actor Verne Troyer Passes Away at 49
Mini-Me actor Verne Troyer has reportedly passed away at the age of 49. Details are scarce as to exactly what happened leading up to this unfortunate incident. The actor’s family released a statement referencing suicide and depression.
Troyer had been in several well-known films from the beginning of his career. His credits include Jingle All The Way, Men In Black, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. But it was his role as Dr. Evil’s clone, Mini-Me, in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me that really left a mark on Hollywood, and pop culture in general. Troyer continued his notable career, taking on roles in everything from music videos to television series and even a brief stint in the Harry Potter franchise. Troyer’s last role is that of Emperor Beezel-Chugg in Hipsters, Gangsters, Aliens and Geeks, which is currently in post-production.
An official statement was released on Troyer’s Instagram account reporting his death. The post commended Troyer for his caring attitude that led him to want to effect real change in the world, largely through his sense of humor. The post continued to talk about Troyer’s limitations due to his size. It was acknowledged that his parents had had doubts about how far he would be able to go. They “often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life,” the post reads. The statement then went on to say that Troyer had gone further than his parents had ever imagined he could. His family is asking for charitable donations to be sent to The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies in lieu of flowers. You can read the full statement in the Instagram post below:
Along with the sweet compliments about Troyer’s achievements, the Instagram post hinted at something darker and sadder. While no cause of death has been given so far, the post does reference depression and suicide. The report states that Troyer had fought “his own battles” some of which he won, but the post says his recent struggles were “too much.” The report does not explicitly state Troyer’s cause of death, but the emphasis on suicide and depression, along with the mention of Troyer’s unbearable struggles, paint a sad picture, indeed.
Troyer has previously struggled with alcohol addiction and was recently admitted to the hospital. On April 3, Troyer was reportedly rushed to the emergency room after police responded to an emergency phone call reporting an alleged poisoning. Troyer’s identity as the patient was not confirmed, but reports claimed the actor was struggling with alcohol addiction and was suicidal at that time.
REST IN PEACE VERNE TROYER: JANUARY 1, 1969 – APRIL 21, 2018
