Hollywood actor Verne Troyer, best known for his performance as Mini-Me in Austin Powers and Griphook the goblin in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, has died at the age of 49. The actor’s Facebook page made the announcement on April 21, without mentioning the cause of death. He was admitted in a hospital after an incident at home. It has, however, been implied that suicide might be the cause of death as he battled depression and alcoholism for years.
The actor was notable for his height of 2 ft 8 in (81 cm), the result of achondroplastic dwarfism. He made his debut in Baby’s Day Out (1994) as a stunt double. He went to star in several mainstream movies such as Men In Black, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, Meet Joe Black. His breakthrough performance was as ‘Mini-Me’, starring alongside Mike Myers in the Austin Powers franchise.
He last featured in the film Gnome Alone, and starred in a number of reality shows including Celebrity Wife Swap and Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park: USA.
There have been several users paying tributes to the actor on social media since the announcement of his death.
Rest in peace, Verne Troyer. You were always so kind to me whenever our paths crossed.
— Wil ‘Ban the Nazis’ Wheaton (@wilw) April 21, 2018
My childhood would haven been so different without Mini-Me. Thank you for the laughs. R.I.P. Verne Troyer. pic.twitter.com/PeTpAgVDEI
— 9GAG (@9GAG) April 22, 2018
WWE is saddened to learn that actor and guest #RAW General Manager Verne Troyer has passed away at age 49. https://t.co/Z622fsOzg7
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2018
RIP Verne Troyer. The legend of Mini Me will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/1fXawPrsoJ
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) April 21, 2018
Sorry to hear about the passing of @VerneTroyer , small guy with a big heart, Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/Prv8iww0JN
— Gennady Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) April 22, 2018
So sad to read of the passing of Verne Troyer. A lovely smile with a caring and big heart, he helped raise money on behalf of @starkeycares for free hearing aids for deaf and hard of hearing people. RIP pic.twitter.com/pgA91tWPo6
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 21, 2018
RIP brother. @VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/LbDolmq3XC
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) April 21, 2018
I’m gonna miss you sweetheart. Wish you didn’t have to leave ???❤ I love you @VerneTroyer get some rest friend. pic.twitter.com/39BSTBZVpf
— Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) April 22, 2018
Feature Image: Hollywood Reporter
