Verne Troyer Has Passed Away At 49

According to a statement from his family, celebrated character actor Verne Troyer has passed away today. He was taken to Hospital earlier this month after authorities learned that he was inebriated and suicidal. While at the hospital, he was hooked on life support and subsequently treated for alcohol poisoning.

During the course of his struggle with addiction, his family held a "baptism" for him, something they had never arranged previously. Verne had struggled with alcoholism for years and had been to rehab on more than one occasion. According to TMZ, the actor best known for his performance as "Mini Me" in the Austin Powers franchise, nearly died in 2002, and through repeated action has relied upon the support of his fans who have remained faithful years after his career defining performances.

Troyer was born with Achondroplasia Dwarfism, but persist that he was treated as an equal during his childhood and adolescence in Michigan, by his able bodied siblings and parents. Troyer broke into the entertainment industry as a stunt double for Baby Bink in the film Baby's Day Out, and continued his career after Austin Powers on reality television shows such as Celebrity Juice & The Surreal Life.

Our sympathies go out to Verne's family and loved ones. RIP.

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