Fans, celebrities reflect on legacy of Verne Troyer after death

Fans and celebrities are mourning the loss of actor Verne Troyer after news of his death broke Saturday. He was 49.

The star began his career as a stuntman and later transitioned to comedy and acting. His breakout role came when played Mini-Me in the “Austin Powers” movie series.

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. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday. He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film & television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s & personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing. 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 peoples hearts than he will ever know. 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. During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately. 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. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Verne’s name to either of his two favorite charities; The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies. Photo by @paulmobleystudio

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on Apr 21, 2018 at 12:58pm PDT

As details regarding his death hit the internet, many flocked to social media to express their condolences and share their favorite memories of the entertainer.

Several said they were shocked to hear about his passing.

From Barbara Bush to Avicii to the legend Verne Troyer today. Shocked!
— Reda Morjani (@RedaMor_) April 21, 2018

Very shocked and saddened to hear the passing of Verne Troyer RIP Mini Me. You made us all laugh you will be dearly Missed, our thoughts are with your family and friends @HONOUROURFORCES pic.twitter.com/gGNQ6yn7yX
— HONOUROURFORCES (@HONOUROURFORCES) April 21, 2018

Quite surprised at verne troyer having died, didn’t expect that at all
— B (@Blazcowicz222) April 21, 2018

Many reflected on his comedy and his ability to make everyone laugh through his films and social media channels.

RIP VERNE TROYER

The guy made me laugh too many times, terrible to see the news. RIP.
— True Smoggie (@true_smoggie) April 21, 2018

You guys I am legit upset about Verne Troyer. I loved watching his YouTube videos.😢
— Britney (@britnayyc) April 21, 2018

Sadly actor Verne Troyer

has passed at 49 yrs old.@VerneTroyer broke the internet with his recent #DriveByDunkChallenge.

🌎#RIPMiniMe pic.twitter.com/6iUrnsKj7l
— Tom Hall ☘ (@TomHall) April 21, 2018

Others praised him for his character, calling him “kind” and “genuine.”

RIP to the actor Verne Troyer. I was lucky enough to meet him some years ago and had a lovely chat with him. A kind and funny soul that would light up the room. May he fondly and lovingly remembered. x pic.twitter.com/6BXzu7inRo
— Eugene Michael Simon (@Eugene_Simon) April 21, 2018

.@VerneTroyer was an amazing dude, (even while hitting on my wife in the photo here). He was funny and genuine, and made millions smile. RIP buddy, you were truly .5 of a kind! #RIPVerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/ocMjPo8OdO
— Kevin M. Klein (@TheKevinKlein) April 21, 2018

So sad to hear about the passing of Verne Troyer. I'm glad that I got the chance to meet him tho, he was super nice when we were at E3 pic.twitter.com/IZS1Y2BEki
— Austin Creed (@XavierWoodsPhD) April 21, 2018

Celebrities, including Ludacris, chimed in, too. The actor appeared in the rapper’s “Number One Spot” music video.

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 (@Ludacris) April 21, 2018

I am absolutely heartbroken.. Verne was truly a beautiful soul. So humble. Every time I got to work with him was truly a huge honor. I don’t even know what to say. He was a legend. Rest easy my friend. You will be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/aOOzHTg95H
— Roman Atwood (@RomanAtwood) April 21, 2018

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
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 21, 2018

About the Author

Najja Parker

Najja Parker is the Newsletter Coach for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She manages the newsroom’s free and premium newsletters. Parker also co-curates Unapologetically ATL, a newsletter about Atlanta's Black culture, and produces and hosts “ATL Closeup,” a things to do series featuring local influencers.

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