Verne Troyer exploded onto the national stage in a big way in 1999 after his star-making turn as Mini-Me in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." After his tragic death on Saturday at just 49 years old, his co-star Mike Myers joined celebrities and fans alike in paying tribute to the star.
"Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honor of working with him," Myers said in a statement received by Entertainment Tonight. "It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed."
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View StoryIt's easy to forget what a cultural phenomenon the "Austin Powers" films were in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but the juggernaut success of the franchise made Troyer a worldwide phenomenon. The actor returned for the third film in the series, enjoying a role as Griphook the Goblin in the first "Harry Potter" film in between turns as Dr. Evil's diminutive clone. Troyer was 2'9" tall and his size fed much of the humor in the "Austin Power" films.
The actor would continue his work in film and television until his death; he has an upcoming film currently in post-production so fans will get the chance to see him at least one more time. Aside from his acting work in films like "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" and shows like "Boston Public," Troyer found a second career simply by playing himself.
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View StoryHe has appeared in multiple reality shows throughout the 2000s, including "The Girls Next Door," "The Surreal Life," "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," "Celebrity Wife Swap." He even got involved with the WWE and competed in the UK version of "Celebrity Big Brother," where he came in fourth place.
Below are some of the most touching tributes from Hollywood and beyond on the passing of Verne Troyer:
So sad to hear that my friend @VerneTroyer has passed away. We shared a mutual respect for each other's work, and I always admired his good humour and lovely nature in the face of adversity. Now, for the first time, he'll be looking down on us all, and laughing! #RIPVerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/vLGwpWTYpE
@WarwickADavis
Rest in peace, Verne Troyer. You were always so kind to me whenever our paths crossed.
@wilw
RIP #Vernetroyer @VerneTroyer You lived a big life, my friend. pic.twitter.com/STPzAn0VM6
@RealDeanCain
#RIPVerneTroyer sad to loose a #LEGEND and friend
@vanillaice
— LONG LIVE my little Buddy @VerneTroyer #VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/kVrDeIWGiC
So very sad to hear of the passing of Verne Troyer 💔 He was such a champion for #BestBuddies and for so many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!!! He always brought a huge smile to my face and so many people at the Best Buddies events!!! I love you Verne!
@MoMcCormick7
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
@MarleeMatlin
R.I.P. Verne Troyer aka Mini Me. You made it to that #1 Spot 🙏🏽 Glad we got to make history… https://t.co/263AEJ8Z9s
@Ludacris
RIP & fly with the angels @VerneTroyer. Thank you for all you gave the world. You are already missed... pic.twitter.com/RQVjxWvz1Z
@ShannonElizab
WHAT VERNE ACCOMPLISHED AGAINST ALL ODDS SHOULD GO DOWN IN HISTORY BOOKS, NOT ONLY 4 HIS ACTING ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT ALSO THE FACT THAT HE WAS A BIG TIME LADIES MAN! HE HAD THE CONFIDENCE OF A MALE MODEL STROLLING THE PLAYBOY MANSION! GOD BLESS HIM! R.I.P. VERNE TROYER 4EVER MISSED!
@Corey_Feldman
We just lost a great guy #VerneTroyer When he walked in any room you know you met someone really special. Heart of gold. RIH
@TheReal_ELewis
R.I.P #VerneTroyer so many bighearted memories on #Conventioncurcuit You are missed
@TonyTodd54
Gonna miss #VerneTroyer Thanks for the laughs. Rest in peace bud. pic.twitter.com/XlxkpL7jlX
@mikethemiz
Sorry to hear about the passing of @VerneTroyer , small guy with a big heart, Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/Prv8iww0JN
@GGGBoxing
Goodbye to my buddy @VerneTroyer. Here we are showing off our matching skull tattoos that neither of us knew the other one had. pic.twitter.com/eqeMspQBSx
@THETomSavini
So sad to hear the extremely Big-Hearted #Verne_Troyer passed away. Spent some wonderful times with this kind & caring man @starkeycares events & on my @77WABCradio show. #RIPVerne ❤️ you'll be deeply missed. #Vernetroyer #RIPVerneTroyer #Verne #AustinPowers #MiniMe pic.twitter.com/5oMTst6M67
@RitaCosby
I asked him one time “Do you do all you own stunts in Movies?”
@bertkreischer
He said, “No, they use a baby.”
I was like “Really?”
He said, “No you fucking Jackass... it is ME!”
RIP #VerneTroyer https://t.co/fx6obKCs9x
The Austin Powers movies were dumb, but they were the best kind of dumb fun. And Mini-Me is iconic.
@jaxel222
RIP #VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/aQVjYOvLcI
Peace out, Mini-Me. Rest in peace. #VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/bUGCkaEhvO
@SirDarthUno
Rest in peace #vernetroyer #minime #AustinPowers pic.twitter.com/giKxxdu3D9
@largottes
#SayingGoodbye
@frombeyondlife
We are sad to hear the news that American actor Verne Troyer, best known for his role in the Austin Powers films, has sadly passed away aged 49 🕊@mancmade #VerneTroyer #RIPVerne #MiniMe #AustinPowers pic.twitter.com/Ouyl3KflKn
Farewell my Friend #VerneTroyer @VerneTroyer
@MrsScottBaio
You made me laugh a lot. Never will forget our "Amish country" chats. pic.twitter.com/0TORYSLmd8
Such An Awesome Photo Of #VerneTroyer Doing The People's Eyebrow With @TheRock #RIPVerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/4bOVrHKHdD
@121875Raywwe1
Austin Powers star Verne Troyer has died aged 49... 🙏#MiniMe #VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/4DvDhICquW
@asjadnazir
Bye bye #VerneTroyer. Thanks for all the laughs and for all of your benevolent deeds. You will be missed. #MiniMe pic.twitter.com/2dorSX9eX8
@TikiAmbassador