Biography

Verne Troyer

by Sarag Green,

American actor, stunt performer, and comedian Verne Troyer came to limelight as one of the shortest men in the world with a height of 2 ft 8 in (81cm); the result of a rare genetic disorder, Cartilage-hair hypoplasia. He made his Hollywood debut in 1994 from the movie, Baby’s Day Out and rose to fame for his role Mini-Me in the Austin Powers Franchise. He was also popular for his work in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 

Troyer died at the age of 49 on 21st April 2018. 

Early Life And Education Of Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer was born on 1st January 1969 in Sturgis, Michigan under the birth sign Capricorn. Troyer was American as per nationality, and as far as his ethnicity was concerned, he was White-American. He was the son of Susan (a factory worker) and Reuben Troyer (a repair technician). His parents raised him with his older brother, Davon and younger sister, Deborah.

Troyer graduated from Centreville High School in1987. He was raised Amish until his parents left the religion. His parents never discriminated him despite his condition. He says,

‘’ never treated me any different than my other average-sized siblings. I used to have to carry wood, feed the cows and pigs and farm animals.’’

Verne Troyer’s Career

Verne Troyer made his Hollywood debut in 1994 from family comedy adventure film, Baby’s Day Out directed by John Hughes. The former president of Little People of America offered him to serve as a stunt double for the infant character Baby Bink.

Troyer then worked as a stunt double in movies like Jingle All the Way, Dunston Checks In, My Giant and Men in Black. In 1999, he appeared as Mini-Me in the spy action comedy film, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Jay Roach, the director of the movie, was impressed by his performance so, re-wrote the script again, as a result, he appeared in several Austin Powers Franchises.

In 2001, he worked as Griphook in the movie, Harry Potter, and the Sorcerer’s Stone. His latest film is Gnome Alone where he appeared as The Gnome.

Troyer also appeared in several TV shows like Celebrity Juice, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Whose Line Is It Anyway?.

Verne Troyer’s Net Worth

Verne Troyer had an estimated net worth of $3 million as per celebrity net worth, however, as per the richest, he had an estimated net worth of $10 million. Troyer worked in several hit movies that made a good collection at the box office, and some of them are listed below:

Movies Budget Box Office Collection IMDB Rating Awards and Nominations Cast Members
Jingle All the Way (1996) $75 million $129.9 million 5.5
  • Won Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.
  • Nominated for Razzie Awards.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman and Rita Wilson.

Volcano (1997) $90 million $122.8 million 5.4
  • Nominated for Golden Raspberry Award.
Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche, Gaby Hoffman and Don Cheadle
Men in Black (1997) $90 million $589.4 million 7.3
  • Won Academy Awards.
  • Nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. 
Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Josh Brolin.
Austin Powers: The Spy Whi Shagged Me (1999) $33 million $312 million 6.6
  • Won Grammy Awards.
  • Nominated for Academy Awards.
Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Elizabeth Hurley, and Seth Green.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) $123 million $345.1 million 6.1
  • Won Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Kids' Choice Awards.
  • Nominated for Academy AwardsGolden Raspberry Awards.
Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski and Josh Ryan Evans.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) $125 million $974.8 million 7.6
  • Won Saturn Awardsand  Broadcast Film Critics Awards.
  • Nominated for Academy AwardsBAFTA Awards, and AFI Film Awards.
Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton.
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) $63 million $296.7 million 6.2
  • Won BMI Film & Television AwardsCanadian Comedy Awards, and MTV Movie Awards.
  • Nominated for Teen Choice Awards, Saturn AwardsBlack Reel Awards and Empire Awards.
Beyonce, Mike Myers, Michael Caine and Britney Spears.

He also earned a good amount from his self-titled youtube channel. The channel earned $919-$14.7k monthly and $11k-$176.5k yearly.

Troyer had a house in LA. He owned an Audi costs $28,095-$76,975.

Verne Troyer’s Personal Life

Verne Troyer was reported to be married to model Genevieve Gallen on 22nd February 2004 but he filed an annulment the next day. Troyer and his lawyer filed the case stating there was no formal wedding.

"There is no valid marriage. That's why we're asking for an annulment".

On 25th June 2008, a home video of him and his girlfriend, Ranae Shrider’s sex tape was leaked by TMZ and Shrider which was filmed in Beverly Hills, California and Shrider’s hometown of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma. He then sued TMZ, Blatt and Super DVD for $20 million to block the distribution of the tape.

Troyer was also in a relationship with Brittney Powell, a German-American actress.

He was diagnosed with Cartilage-hair hypoplasia which is a rare genetic disorder. The disorder helped him to get listed in world smallest persons. Besides, he was an alcoholic. He had admitted going to rehab to undergo treatment for his addiction.

Death

On 21st April 2018, Verne Troyer died at the age of 49. Earlier month, he was taken to the hospital after an emergency call reported he was drunk and suicidal. Furthur details of his death have not been revealed to media. 

Here is the video which shows five facts about Verne Troyer: