Celebrities / Famous Personalities Who Have Passed Away (Compiled)

[Guest JellyfishcapbarerjamesBhwo]

So is this topic going into the ghostly encounter thread! Anyone relate to them for a ghostly encounter as my coffee is ready!

[fab]

Imo sg can accept tong more than leong cos tong has no lian bang qiang.

[FluteGuan]

2 hours ago, fab said:

Imo sg can accept tong more than leong cos tong has no lian bang qiang.

Tong is 历害

 

Back in malaysia also offend the same pp in the series she was acting in,  and tt include her juihu compatriate Debbie who acted in hk tvb 

 

Then she came to sg and also kpkb these days after jumping ship to china,

 

 

This jihu bu not simpur,

 

Speaking of apeaking lianbangish, flor tan mandarin is so lianbangish, even after so many years in china, ( in the latest tv8 series ) lol much

Edited March 9, 2018 by FluteGuan

[Guest Sheldon Cooper]

RIP Stephen Hawking (8 January 1942 - 14 March 2018)

[CKW]

On 08/03/2018 at 2:29 AM, FluteGuan said:

After filming on the fringe in 1987, show was telecast in 1988 thereabouts, he left for studies abroad.

returned to tcs in 1991... but wasnt cast as lead... and left....

 

First guy in opening credits. Guy in blue jacket.

 

几分神似joshua ang, be4 he became buibhj

 

I see. Thanks for the info.

 

Really hope he didn't die of cancer but I guess I'll never know

[FluteGuan]

On Friday, March 09, 2018 at 12:26 PM, fab said:

 

This is spooky.

 

Didn't she pass away last Aug?

Lol much

[FluteGuan]

7 minutes ago, CKW said:

 

I see. Thanks for the info.

 

Really hope he didn't die of cancer but I guess I'll never know

I got see your nick in youtube 喔。 lol much

[groyn88]

http://the-singapore-lgbt-encyclopaedia.wikia.com/wiki/Benjamin_Gho

 

Benjamin Gho, called Ben for short by his friends and also well known by his drag persona name of Bernice, was born in 1972 and passed away suddenly in March 2018.

Life

For some in the LGBT community, Gho was a dear and generous friend. To most, he was a reassuring presence and constant in their gaybourhood, giving it a cozy familiarity and hospitality. Their night time revels always included a place where at least one person knew who they were, and would welcome them in.

Gho pursued a career in nightlife that spanned Mox Bar, Happy (he was the club's guest door bitch many a time), DYMK (abbreviation for Does Your Mother Know?, where he was affectionately called Momma when he was in drag) and Epiphyte. He also lived the 'life nocturnal' - after working the weekend, he would be out partying on Sundays, back in the days when Sunday was the only gay night out.

People who were familiar with Bernice, her drag persona, observed that she was never that camp - her manner was never exaggerated, which is not to say she was any less fabulous for simply just being her. Indeed, the Bernice alter ego was never too far away from Ben's persona. Ben was Bernice, and Bernice was Ben. Both were him and her, worn proudly and matter-of-factly.

ELEMENT magazine article

In 2014, ELEMENT magazine's first-ever drag issue, featured Gho in an article written by Karim Shah:

"ELEMENT FEATURE: MEET 14 INCREDIBLE ASIAN DRAG QUEENS AROUND THE WORLD

...we had the privilege of speaking with some of the most talented and beautiful drag queens, female illusionists, and gender-bending performers from around the world. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with these amazing artists, and to share them with you, our beloved readers.

Name: Bernice Gho

Age: 42

Location: Singapore

A native Singaporean, Bernice first stepped out in drag in 1994.

Through 2007, Bernice would go on to make drag a full-time career, working at various bars and restaurants throughout Singapore. She would become well known for her signature Hollywood inspired look.

“Audrey Hepburn...her personality inspires me. I feel like when I am Bernice, she comes into my body. How she walks, and even how she lights up a cigarette, although now I quit smoking.”

“I was given a project by AFA to raise HIV awareness in a club, and I was asked to drag. Initially I was hesitant, but decided to do it. I was shocked at how different I could look.”

As to where she’d love to perform?

“The only performance I do is in my bedroom," she said through laughter. “But fashion runway is my thing. I will wanna do it as Bernice. In fact, I have done it a few times.”

And her dream job?

“Oscar de la Renta’s show. His gowns are beautiful. I wanna wear them. Either in Paris or Milan.”

The following photo of Gho, one of his favourites, was shot by his friend, Alan Seah, for Action for AIDS' JUICY parties - Sunday night fundraisers at Zouk disco in the early 2000s. (Gho made Seah Photoshop the breasts in.)

 

Unexpected death

Gho's passing came to the attention of the LGBT community at large on Tuesday, 27 March 2018. However, it is believed that he died sometime on Sunday night or during the wee hours of Monday morning. His unexpected death sent shock waves throughout the segment of the LGBT community who knew him or who knew of him. Many of his friends had seen him completely healthy, working at the gay bar, Epiphyte, taking orders and serving drinks, on the Friday just before his passing.

His family requested privacy in their time of grief and held a private wake. Epiphyte and Backstage Bar held memorials during the long weekend following his death, on Good Friday, 30 March 2018 and Sunday, 1 April 2018 respectively.

Details of the memorial was announced thus by his friends:

A Bernice Cosmo - a cocktail drink named after Gho.

"Epiphyte bar

47 Neil Road, Level 2

29 March, Thurs and 30 March, Fri

7pm - Closing

Backstage Bar, 80 Neil Road

1 April, Sun

6pm - Closing

Serving Bernice Cosmos

Wear something ladylike if you're a man, wear something manly if you're a lady."

A trained counsellor from Oogachaga was available on site on Thursday, 29 March 2018 to offer outreach and support. Information cards and reading materials were also available for attendees to take home or pass on to others.

Gayhealth.sg, a subsidiary organisation of Action for AIDS, wrote an article entitled, "Momma Knows Best: In Loving Memory of Bernice"[1] on the day of Gho's passing as a tribute to her life and advocacy work for people living with HIV:

"Ben was a strong man, and Bernice, an even stronger drag mama. Always loving and warm, he was a great advocate for persons living with HIV, and the rights to access sexual health care. Ever full of life, he was instrumental in providing a safe space for many young Gay, Bisexual and Queer men. Ben was passionate about his work and was a great mentor to many.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. We have lost a great champion for PLHIV, a wonderful person, and a dear friend."

Edited March 28, 2018 by groyn88

[Guest Guest]

Send what shockwave? What had she done? What exectly did that element article say abt her? Nothing except dreaming of runinh down the runway in a gown.

 

Yes her death did affect some people but to the 99.999% of the gay population it did not. 

[fourth]

15 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

Send what shockwave? What had she done? What exectly did that element article say abt her? Nothing except dreaming of runinh down the runway in a gown.

 

Yes her death did affect some people but to the 99.999% of the gay population it did not. 

 

if you have nothing nice to say that get lost. he has probably done more for the gay community than you. this reflects more about how you have no compassion and empathy, on top of a total lack of human decency since you can't respect the dead. 

 

why don't you come out and say it and let everyone know who you are? sheesh.

[kys0n]

2 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

Send what shockwave? What had she done? What exectly did that element article say abt her? Nothing except dreaming of runinh down the runway in a gown.

 

Yes her death did affect some people but to the 99.999% of the gay population it did not. 

 

You're rude. The fact is that her death has affected a not insignificant number of people. Even if you think that she's not worthy of praise, doesn't mean that you can shoot your mouth off inappropriately when her passing is only very recent. Your attempt to belittle the recognition that others have for her is uncalled for, immature and insensitive. It only reflects poorly on yourself.

[Guest Guest]

35 minutes ago, kys0n said:

 

You're rude. The fact is that her death has affected a not insignificant number of people. Even if you think that she's not worthy of praise, doesn't mean that you can shoot your mouth off inappropriately when her passing is only very recent. Your attempt to belittle the recognition that others have for her is uncalled for, immature and insensitive. It only reflects poorly on yourself.

Rubbish. In what way was I rude? His passing is treated by some as a lost to gays in totality. I am saying it did not 'Send any shockwaves' throughout the gay community as claimed.

 

How am I belittling someone when no one mentioned what exectly did he do?

 

So kyson, fourth and so on besides partying in gay clubs, what did she do that it justify sending 'shockwaves in the lgbtq' community? 

[Guest Guest]

53 minutes ago, fourth said:

 

if you have nothing nice to say that get lost. he has probably done more for the gay community than you. this reflects more about how you have no compassion and empathy, on top of a total lack of human decency since you can't respect the dead. 

 

why don't you come out and say it and let everyone know who you are? sheesh.

Huh...i mentioned his passing did affect people he know. But how does it affect people that do not go to gay clubs, people who do not party? How does it justify that it send shockwaves throughout the lgbtq community? Please..do not assume most lgbtq are partying and drinking in clubs. That is disrespectful.

[Rhyn]

1 hour ago, Guest Guest said:

Send what shockwave? What had she done? What exectly did that element article say abt her? Nothing except dreaming of runinh down the runway in a gown.

 

Yes her death did affect some people but to the 99.999% of the gay population it did not. 

 

What has Benjamin Goh/Bernice done? 

 

Idk i mean

 

It's not like Bernice isn't a persona that is constantly fighting a battle by undermining social expectations on what society define as normative.

It's not like Bernice wasn't using her position to raise awareness on important information about HIV when people make the mistake of assuming the virus is caused by sex or homosexual.

It's not like Bernice didn't raise funds for a charitable cause where people actually need the funds to survive.

 

You trivialise the suffering of the lives that Goh/Bernice has touched and helped, while simultaneously eroding the hard work Goh/Bernice has allotted in his/her/their life for undeserving people like you not have to live under the guise of anonymity and shame. 

 

 

You're not spreading truth responsibly. Your comment on this thread, incendiary and troll-y, is especially rude given that this person has probably done more than you have in your miserable life; you would rather spend your time posting insignificant and uncivil comments when people are trying to mourn/celebrate the best of a permanent passing. Disgusting. 

 

Also, probably a weak troll attempting to capture some attention. 

Edited March 28, 2018 by Rhyn

[Guest Guest]

In what way did I trivalise the suffering of whoever livee? I am commenting on that article that claimed his passing 'send shockwaves ' in the gay population.

 

Yes you know him. Does enough gays know him for shockwaves to happen?

 

Oh please. How gays are perceived and more accepted now has nothing to do with him. Yes he did help spread the message but within the gay party goers? Did he do that to the mainstream population? If gays do not know is, how will the str8s know him? You are insulting most of us who do not go party in clubs.

 

This will be my last entry on this post. 

[Rhyn]

11 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

This will be my last entry on this post. 

 

Good riddance, bye bad troll!

[abang]

I do not patronise the club's nor I'm actively involved in our gay movement.  However the passing of a person who died too soon is always an emotional thing.

 

RIP Ben...Bernice..

[Guest Topper]

As a gay I dunno this person.

 

How he died??? 

[fourth]

4 hours ago, Guest Guest said:

In what way did I trivalise the suffering of whoever livee? I am commenting on that article that claimed his passing 'send shockwaves ' in the gay population.

 

Yes you know him. Does enough gays know him for shockwaves to happen?

 

Oh please. How gays are perceived and more accepted now has nothing to do with him. Yes he did help spread the message but within the gay party goers? Did he do that to the mainstream population? If gays do not know is, how will the str8s know him? You are insulting most of us who do not go party in clubs.

 

This will be my last entry on this post. 

 

you were demeaning from the beginning right to the very end. anyone with an eye can see for themselves. the work and the trail he has left behind is felt by many and if you so happen to reside in a hole that is 10,000 miles away from that, then don't assume your world view as something that should be the same for everyone else. if you didn't feel the 'shockwave' then so be it, no love lost, right? why make it a point to verbalize if you have nothing well-meaning to contribute? judging from your ability to hold your sentences together, that is about all you have. zero on all other grounds. i know there're trolls on bw but you are just about the worst scum.

[Guest Guest So Fake]

What's with all the squabbling here guys? The person who has died is just another fella down the hole. It only shows how plastic this circle is. If Bern is just a regular old drag who died, 100% sure none of you gays will show the same sympathy for him/her. 

 

So spare us the pretence of acting like you care for another fellow human being please. As for what an earlier guest mentioned, he is right that other than being in the clubbing scene, what else has Bernice contributed other than to fight for personal interests in the name of so-called 'greater good'? 

 

When you spend your lifetime frolicking in alcohol, booze and parties in the night, with all that heavy makeup, and live like a vampire, it's only a matter of time before hidden internal symptoms erupt, and you are knocked out once and for all. 

 

We are all entitled to our opinions of people btw, whether they are dead or living. 

 

[Guest Be-nice]

I'm not exactly sure some of the senriments and emotions expressed here are not feigned, exaggerated or plasti-ky, but the iconic status of Bernice in the gay night scene is for SURE...

[Guest So Fake]

3 minutes ago, Guest Be-nice said:

I'm not exactly sure some of the senriments and emotions expressed here are not feigned, exaggerated or plasti-ky, but the iconic status of Bernice in the gay night scene is for SURE...

 

Well sure, according to you. BUT not to majority of the gay population who do not thrive in these night scenes. But if the silent-majority gay population has something to say, they will tell you the last thing Singapore gays want to be associated with today is to be represented by a so-called 'iconic' drag queen, where we will be stereotyped by straight people as 'Chao ah guas'. 

[Rhyn]

On a side note, I’d propose a vote to ignore   the trolls hiding behind anonymity as responding to them fuels nothing but negativity. 

 

We should celebrate his/her/Bernice/Benjamin/their achievements and move forward. 

[Guest Guest]

3 hours ago, Rhyn said:

On a side note, I’d propose a vote to ignore   the trolls hiding behind anonymity as responding to them fuels nothing but negativity. 

 

We should celebrate his/her/Bernice/Benjamin/their achievements and move forward. 

Agree! Please tell us his achievements for us to celebrate!

[Guest Shame on you!]

4 hours ago, Guest Be-nice said:

I'm not exactly sure some of the senriments and emotions expressed here are not feigned, exaggerated or plasti-ky, but the iconic status of Bernice in the gay night scene is for SURE...

!!! W T F...K !!!             You are miserable people I forgive you,
Otherwise no other people will forgive you。。。

You die the day you even can not forgive myself。。。。

[Guest Door bitch]

4 hours ago, Rhyn said:

On a side note, I’d propose a vote to ignore   the trolls hiding behind anonymity as responding to them fuels nothing but negativity. 

 

We should celebrate his/her/Bernice/Benjamin/their achievements and move forward. 

 

Vote? I didn't know people couldn't express their opinions here. So those here who say the bad things are chastised uh.  

 

Since when did this forum become a PAP forum? - Hear only the nice things meh? 

[Guest Door bitch]

48 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

Agree! Please tell us his achievements for us to celebrate!

 

The sarcasm is strong on this one. 

[Guest Guest]

Drugs again....

[camus]

Rip

 

did not know him well but he was always very nice and smiley to me whenever I bump into him at dymk/epi

[tristb]

well... just try to be sensitive towards those that know of him. I'm sure he has touched many and left an memorable impression, hence, people mourning for him. If some of us that do not know about him, thn just have a silent prayer and move on. You don't see a random funeral and make a ruckus right? 

 

Having said such, even though I don't know him personally I still wish he rests in peace and everyone remembers him fondly.

[Guest Yeah yeah yeah]

Yeah but still, those didactic and sacrilegious sounding people.... Sounds a little more emotional than necessary. Nowadays cheap sentiments are mostly fake....

Should have said those kind words and cherished people when they are still alive, not throw social justice tantrums, hissy fits or create a scene online only when they are gone.

 

Too late, buddy.

[Guest Yeah yeah yeah]

3 minutes ago, Guest Yeah yeah yeah said:

Yeah but still, those didactic and sacrilegious sounding people.... Sounds a little more emotional than necessary. Nowadays cheap sentiments are mostly fake....

Should have said those kind words and cherished people when they are still alive, not throw social justice tantrums, hissy fits or create a scene online only when they are gone.

 

Too late, buddy.

Sorry not "sacrilegious", I meant to say *santimonious*

[Guest Door bitch]

6 minutes ago, Guest Yeah yeah yeah said:

Yeah but still, those didactic and sacrilegious sounding people.... Sounds a little more emotional than necessary. Nowadays cheap sentiments are mostly fake....

Should have said those kind words and cherished people when they are still alive, not throw social justice tantrums, hissy fits or create a scene online only when they are gone.

 

Too late, buddy.

 

Well you see, he passed on suddenly. So you can't exactly fault them for being 'too late'.

 

Then again there are people who get so drama-mama over this that I see them posting over social media about their grief, but when people start commenting about it, they tell them not to ask or say anything about it. They wish to keep their grief private blah blah blah. Like in the first place, if its private, then WTF are you posting this publicly on your social media account then? Drama Queen much. 

[Guest Guest2]

2 hours ago, Guest Guest said:

Drugs again....

 

Don't anyhow speculate.

[Guest :-(]

Rip though I've no idea who she is. 

 

They never state what's the cause of death? Life is so fragile, just gone like that without warning tomorrow I must tell my bf I love him very much before its too late

[Guest Curious Guest]

Anybody know the cause of death? I heard its suicide. 

[Guest Guest Confused]

Who is she/he again? I am not really a TP go-er, so pardon me. 

[Guest Guest]

RIP  though I don't him. 

Starlioned also RIP though I don't know him. 

Don't be mean.. Some of the comments by some guest. 

[fetish69]

RIP......My dear friend we all know you be at better place.....

[Guest Berynice]

I think we can all agree that Bernice’s glam momma persona costumes over the years are worth celebrating at least. Anyone to start posting them here for us to celebrate their je ne sais quoi?

[Saggiboy]

I hope Benice is in a better place now.

 

While i believe in freedom of speech and expression, I think it shd be done with some sensibilities, as what u said/do only reflects ur own upbringing and personality. 

 

There’re many ways to say or ask something, without being perceived as being rude, careless or insensitive. If u have to choose between doing/asking the right thing and be nice, always choose be nice. If u have nothing good to say, zip it. The world would be a lot nicer place if we have less bitching, and fewer pple with attitudes thinking they have more rights than the next person to say/do what u want/feel. A little self-restrain/reflection will do u a lot of good.

 

i m not referring to anyone here, but if u felt u need to respond with ur claws on, then it only means u r being over sensitive, or just know deep down inside wat kinda person u r.

[Guest Sensitive]

20 minutes ago, Saggiboy said:

I hope Benice is in a better place now.

 

While i believe in freedom of speech and expression, I think it shd be done with some sensibilities, as what u said/do only reflects ur own upbringing and personality. 

 

There’re many ways to say or ask something, without being perceived as being rude, careless or insensitive. If u have to choose between doing/asking the right thing and be nice, always choose be nice. If u have nothing good to say, zip it. The world would be a lot nicer place if we have less bitching, and fewer pple with attitudes thinking they have more rights than the next person to say/do what u want/feel. A little self-restrain/reflection will do u a lot of good.

 

i m not referring to anyone here, but if u felt u need to respond with ur claws on, then it only means u r being over sensitive, or just know deep down inside wat kinda person u r.

Woah you actually spelled her name as BEnice, not BERnice meh?

[Guest wtf]

wtf is wrong with you? even with the wrong spelling, you still get the fact that Benice is referring to Bernice. it could be auto-correct for all you know. 

 

while it's true that not many know who the f is she, what she has contributed to the gay community, what kind of life she has led, past and recent, doesn't mean she, or anyone, deserve no decent respect for his/her passing. if you don't know anything about her, then the least you can do is really to stfu. it's not like after doing some deep research or having someone telling you what she has done, good or bad, will make you respect her, given the kind of insensitive and childish comments you've made. 

you may despise him being a drag queen, we all have that image we'd like to pursue and be, at least he's comfortable showing it and one should mind his own business.

 

when a friend/family member passed on, we don't think about what a slut he/she has been, whether he/she has been sleeping around, partying every week, his/her contributions for the greater good (i mean, what have you done for the gay/non-gay community? if nothing but just contribution of idiotic posts in this forum, then really, stfu). 

 

her death has nothing to do with drugs. simply a case of depression and that's all one need to know, and to her friends, a life gone too soon.

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest Bearnice]

39 minutes ago, Guest wtf said:

wtf is wrong with you? even with the wrong spelling, you still get the fact that Benice is referring to Bernice. it could be auto-correct for all you know. 

 

while it's true that not many know who the f is she, what she has contributed to the gay community, what kind of life she has led, past and recent, doesn't mean she, or anyone, deserve no decent respect for his/her passing. if you don't know anything about her, then the least you can do is really to stfu. it's not like after doing some deep research or having someone telling you what she has done, good or bad, will make you respect her, given the kind of insensitive and childish comments you've made. 

you may despise him being a drag queen, we all have that image we'd like to pursue and be, at least he's comfortable showing it and one should mind his own business.

 

when a friend/family member passed on, we don't think about what a slut he/she has been, whether he/she has been sleeping around, partying every week, his/her contributions for the greater good (i mean, what have you done for the gay/non-gay community? if nothing but just contribution of idiotic posts in this forum, then really, stfu). 

 

her death has nothing to do with drugs. simply a case of depression and that's all one need to know, and to her friends, a life gone too soon.

 

 

 

 

 

I see. Alcohol mixed with sleeping pills?

[Guest Window bitch]

Why would she be depressed when she is such a popular drag queen with so many hot, handsome friends, rich and partying every weekend? 

 

[Guest No more hair]

Likewise....One day owner of certain gay club or bar died....Should we do a memorial??  Just because it's in the clubbing circle doesn't mean majority of gays care 

[Guest Who that person]

On 30/03/2018 at 12:01 AM, Guest Door bitch said:

 

Well you see, he passed on suddenly. So you can't exactly fault them for being 'too late'.

 

Then again there are people who get so drama-mama over this that I see them posting over social media about their grief, but when people start commenting about it, they tell them not to ask or say anything about it. They wish to keep their grief private blah blah blah. Like in the first place, if its private, then WTF are you posting this publicly on your social media account then? Drama Queen much. 

 

Omg, agree that people are being so drama about it

 

11 hours ago, Guest No more hair said:

Likewise....One day owner of certain gay club or bar died....Should we do a memorial??  Just because it's in the clubbing circle doesn't mean majority of gays care 

 

Agree

[Guest not sure]

On 29/03/2018 at 3:19 AM, Guest Guest said:

Rubbish. In what way was I rude? His passing is treated by some as a lost to gays in totality. I am saying it did not 'Send any shockwaves' throughout the gay community as claimed.

 

How am I belittling someone when no one mentioned what exectly did he do?

 

So kyson, fourth and so on besides partying in gay clubs, what did she do that it justify sending 'shockwaves in the lgbtq' community? 

Sorry not sure about the Chinese culture, but in our culture we never talk bad about a person which just recently passed away.

In that sense your comments are insensitive and rude.

Even if in your personal opinion the late Bernice did not send any shockwaves through the local gay community, you could have shown some basic respect in general.

I don't know him or in fact I don't like all that drag thing but common sense would tell me not to send shockwaves through the gay blowing wind community in such a situation by upsetting some mourning friends, relatives etc.

[Guest Guest]

On 30/03/2018 at 12:46 AM, Guest Guest2 said:

 

Don't anyhow speculate.

If no speculation , where got this word leh 

[Guest Austin fan]

Verne Troyer, actor who was Mini-Me in Austin Powers films, dies at 49

• Family announces death on social media sites
• Statement: ‘Verne was an extremely caring individual’

Martin Pengelly in New York

 @MartinPengelly

Sat 21 Apr 2018 22.15 BSTFirst published on Sat 21 Apr 2018 21.36 BST

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 Verne Troyer was best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies. Photograph: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

The actor Verne Troyer has died, according to a statement posted to his social media pages on Saturday. He was 49.

Verne Troyer: a life in pictures

 

Troyer, who was 2ft 8in tall, found fame in Mike Myers’ Austin Powers spy spoof movies as Mini-Me, a clone of the villain Dr Evil. The last Austin Powers film, Goldmember, was released in 2002.

Other roles included Griphook in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), Coach Punch Cherkov in Myers’ The Love Guru (2008) and Percy in Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). Troyer also appeared in Madonna’s video for her 1999 song Beautiful Stranger and made appearances on reality TV.

Myers said on Saturday: “Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honour of working with him. It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed.”

Having experienced struggles with alcoholism, Troyer was admitted to hospital earlier this month. His family announced his death in a statement posted to Facebook and Instagram.

“It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today,” the statement said.

“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.”

The actor Marlee Matlin tweeted that Troyer had “a lovely smile with a caring and big heart, he helped raise money [for Starkey Hearing Foundation] for free hearing aids for deaf and hard of hearing people. RIP.”

 

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 Troyer with Mike Myers as Dr Evil in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Photograph: New Line/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

Baywatch star Carmen Electra shared a snap of the two of them on Instagram in which she can be seen holding Troyer in her arms. She simply posted “R.I.P Verne Troyer” along with the image.

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The Troyer family statement added that “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.”

In 2015, he told the Guardian he “grew up Amish, but my parents left the religion when I was a child”.

He also said: “All my family is average-sized, apart from me. I didn’t really think about my size until I got older, a few years before high school. It had never really fazed me that much.”

His parents, he said, taught him “to be optimistic and independent. They made me feel that I could do anything I set my mind to, which has really helped me. They didn’t make allowances for me because of my height. I had to do everything my brother and sister had to do.”

Troyer’s family statement did not give a cause of death but it added: “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.”