Verne Troyer from ‘Austin Powers’ Died of Alcohol Addiction Says Coroner
Actor Verne Troyer who passed away on April 21 this year, his death has been finally ruled as suicide.
The 49-year-old actor died of “sequelae of alcohol intoxication” on April 21 according to a statement released by his coroner on Wednesday. The actor was best known for his role as ‘Mini-Me’ in the Austin Powers series. Troyer spent the final days of his life in a hospital in Los Angeles after battling alcohol addiction.
The actor was battling alcoholism for many years and was even hospitalized several times. The actor earlier posted on social media, “As you know, I’ve battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it’s not always been an easy fight, I’m willing to continue my fight day by day.” The actor is said to have had his fair share of battles and was a victim of depression which ultimately resulted in suicide.
A statement was released on social media when the actor passed away in April. The statement read “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.” It also read “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 people’s hearts than he will ever know.” The statement described him as being a fighter who struggled and won several times, but this time he succumbed.
Troyer was born with a form of dwarfism that prevented him from growing past 2 feet and 8 inches long. He started his career working as a stunt double for ‘Baby’s Day Out.’ He then continued working as a stunt double in several films such as ‘Dunston Checks In’, ‘All The Way’, ‘Men In Black’ and ‘My Giant’, he got his biggest break however when he met Jay Roach the director of ‘Austin Powers series’. Jay Roach was very impressed with Troyer’s performance who went ahead and rewrote the script to give ‘Mini-Me’ more screen time. After captivating the audience as ‘Mini-Me’ Troyer went on to portray the role of a goblin Griphook in Harry Potter.
Verne Troyer was not the only actor with dwarfism in Hollywood to have ended his life. David Rappaport was another famous actor with dwarfism who struggled with depression and fame. He ended his life while his career was at its peak. ‘Fantasy Island’ star Herve Villechaize also known as ‘Tattoo’ passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot after battling health related problems. Henry Nasiff Junior also known as the ‘angry drunken dwarf’ died in 2001 at the age of 39. Ethanol abuse was listed as the cause of his death. The list goes on. While these are some of the names that have succumbed to the pressures of fame and other major issues, there are others like them who are flourishing. Take the example of Peter Dinklage from the ‘Game of Thrones.’
Actors with dwarfism ending their lives in this competitive industry, point towards a larger cause. Perhaps because they are made to feel different, because of the challenges of getting better opportunities, or perhaps because of dealing with the world’s prejudice. Hollywood for sure has lost a kind and talented soul. RIP Verne Troyer.
