Very sad news via Facebook: Verne Troyer, who became instantly famous as Dr. Evil’s Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise, has died. He was 49 years old.

Troyer worked steadily in Hollywood starting in the mid-’90s; sometimes as a stunt double, sometimes as an actor. His big break came in 1999’s Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, where Mike Myers’ Dr. Evil introduced him as his clone, Mini-Me, who was supposedly exactly like him in every way, only one-eighth his size. Mini-Me became a sensation; they even made Mini-Me dolls, and Troyer became an overnight star.

Troyer returned for Austin Powers in Goldmember, and continued working in movies and on television (he played Napoleon on the Sam Raimi series Jack of All Trades, and made numerous reality show appearances). But he also struggled with depression.

Here is the statement posted to Troyer’s official Facebook page:








49 years old is way too young for anyone to pass away. Our condolences and best wishes go out to his friends and family. It might be time to rewatch The Spy Who Shagged Me as well.