Mike Myers has paid tribute to his Austin Powers co-star Verne Troyer and hailed his friend and colleague as "the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity".
The news of Troyer's death was confirmed in a family statement posted to his social media pages on Saturday. He was 49.
Troyer famously portrayed Mini-Me in Austin Powers of which Myers starred as both the titular character and Dr. Evil. The two appeared together in two Austin Powers movies: 1999’s Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and 2002’s Austin Powers in Goldmember.
"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.
"It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed."
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin recalled Troyer's "lovely smile" and "big heart" and posted a sweet picture of the pair on her Twitter page.
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
Baywatch star Carmen Electra also shared a happy picture of her and Troyer laughing together, with the caption "R.I.P".
R.I.P. Verne Troyer 😢 https://t.co/tKMSJpVF8o
— Carmen Electra (@carmenelectra) April 21, 2018
Rapper Vanilla Ice said he is "sad to loose a legend and friend".
#RIPVerneTroyer sad to loose a #LEGEND and friend
— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) April 21, 2018
— LONG LIVE my little Buddy @VerneTroyer #VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/kVrDeIWGiC
American Pie actress Shannon Elizabeth also posted images of herself with Troyer following the news of his death, and thanked him "for all you gave the world".
RIP & fly with the angels @VerneTroyer. Thank you for all you gave the world. You are already missed... pic.twitter.com/RQVjxWvz1Z
— Shannon Elizabeth (@ShannonElizab) April 21, 2018
American actor and rapper, Ludacris, shared a photo of Verne playing his Mini-Me in his music video and said: "R.I.P. Verne Troyer aka Mini Me. You made it to that #1 Spot Glad we got to make history".
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
Singer Peter Andre said he was very sad to hear the news Troyer had passed and called him "a lovely guy I had the pleasure of meeting a few times."
Very sad to hear Verne has passed away. A lovely guy I had the pleasure of meeting a few times. RIP 😔 pic.twitter.com/Oma6Vvx0Xo
— Peter Andre (@MrPeterAndre) April 21, 2018
American professional skateboarder and actor, Tony Hawk, thanked Troyer for "all the laughs, generosity and heartfelt support."
Thanks for all the laughs, generosity and heartfelt support, @VerneTroyer; I will always be a big fan, and it was a huge honor when you bought my used shoes and skateboard at our @THF auction. pic.twitter.com/hv1F2LLpjd
— Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) April 21, 2018
