Yahoo News Verne Troyer dead: The Austin Powers actor battled alcohol addiction and was hospitalised a month before dying
Verne Troyer had been battling alcohol addiction throughout his lifetime and was admitted to hospital earlier this month.
The actor – best known for playing Mini-Me in Austin Powers – died Saturday (21 April) aged 49. No official has been given as of writing.
Troyer’s battle with alcohol addiction was first documented in 2002, when the actor nearly died from alcohol poisoning following a breakup. In 2005, Troyer appeared on the reality show The Surreal Life drunk, the clip going viral.
Of those years, Troyer told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016: “That was a bad period in my life. I've learned from it, and I move on.”
Last April, Troyer spoke about his ongoing struggles with alcohol once more, issuing a statement which said: “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.”
Earlier this month, Troyer was reported to have been taken to hospital, an official statement saying he was “resting comfortably”.
One friend told paramedics that Troyer was “extremely upset, drunk” and he was kept at the hospital for observation.
Troyer’s death was announced on the actor’s official Facebook page: “It is with great sadness and 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. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible.”
It continued: “Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
“Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.
“You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.”
No official reason for the death has been announced. He was recently baptised while surrounded by family, the message added.
Troyer was known for his portrayal of Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, with his big break in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999. He also made appearances in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Love Guru.
If you have been affected by this story, you can get confidential support from Samaritans on 116 123, or contact the following organisations for support:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
