One-time Raw Guest Host Verne Troyer Passes Away; A Look Back At Troyer Hosting Raw

Verne Troyer, best known for playing Mini-Me in two of the Austin Powers comedy films and being one of the shortest men in the world, has died at the age of 49, according to statements posted to his social media accounts Saturday.

Troyer was 49. No cause of death was immediately released.

“Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh,” a statement posted to his social media said. “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 every day.”

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

TMZ reports that Troyer died Saturday, according to a statement from his family. TMZ was told that he was on some form of life support since being taken to the hospital earlier this month after cops got a report he was drunk and suicidal. He was also treated for possible alcohol poisoning.

Troyer appeared as the guest host of Raw on November 30, 2009, where he interacted with The Miz, Mark Henry, Jillian Hall, MVP, Big Show and Chris Jericho, among others.

During the show, he appeared on stage (sitting on a stool) and arranged a match between The Miz and Henry.

After Henry beat The Miz, “The World’s Strongest Man”, Troyer, The Bella Twins, Kelly Kelly and Eve all danced.

Here is Troyer discussing his experience hosting Raw.