'Mini-Me' Stands Tall
July 24, 2002 -- The 32-inch-tall actor Verne Troyer figures very big in Hollywood these days.
Better known "Mini-Me," Dr. Evil's diminutive alter ego in the Austin Powers film series, Troyer is a hot commodity these days. Another shagadelic sequel — Austin Powers in Goldmember — is opening Friday, and Troyer is doing his best to capitalize on his fame — not just for himself, but for other little people.
"I don't want to say I represent them. I'm one of them," he says.
"I'm just glad that I've been given the opportunity to be in these films and I think also things have changed a little bit as far as other little people getting other roles."
From Mini-Me to Mini-Hef
Troyer's playing his celebrity, however fleeting or lasting it may be, to the hilt. After his first stint as Mini-Me, Hugh Hefner tapped him to play Mini-Hef. But with all sorts of offers coming in, Troyer has set money aside for a scholarship that will help short-statured actors.
"It's unfortunate that Hollywood stereotypes, not just little people, but a lot of different people," he says. "If you can, you know, just make a dent in having Hollywood see that we can do other things. That's what I'm trying to do.
"We don't want to be just known as being an elf or a leprechaun or an alien."
It's been tough for Troyer, 32, to step away from his Austin Powers character. The Hollywood press often refers to him as "Mini-V" and he's still plotting his career.
Born in Sturgis, Mich., Troyer always dreamed of a show business career. He got his first break in 1993, working as a stunt double for a 9-month-old tot in Baby's Day Out. Over the next few years, he took any role he could, appearing on film and TV, sometimes portraying animals or children.
Since he hooked up with Mike Myers, the door has really opened up. Over the last few years, Troyer has appeared in such films as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Bubble Boy and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Myers, a veteran of Saturday Night Live, has provided some inspiration for Troyer.
"He plays so many different characters," Troyer says. "I kind of knew the mannerisms of Dr. Evil so it was a little bit easier [to play Mini-Me] but Mike makes it very relaxing and overall just fun."
In the new film, Myers does quadruple duty. He reprises his roles as Austin Powers, Dr. Evil and obese villain Fat Bastard, and also introduces a new character, Goldmember.
According to the scuttlebutt, Dr. Evil and Goldmember kidnap Austin's father (played by Oscar winner Michael Caine), and there's another big fight scene for Mini-Me. Somewhere along the line, Britney Spears makes an appearance.
Troyer says he he'd love to talk about the plot, but he's taken the vow of secrecy.
ABCNEWS radio contributed to this report.