News

Over the weekend, the Chicago International Film Festival and Second City honored Mike Myers with a “Career Achievement Award,” in recognition of his work in beloved movies such as Wayne’s World, Austin Powers and Shrek. Thankfully, the event didn’t end with one of the organizers suddenly remembering that The Love Guru exists and attempting to wrestle the award out of Myers’ hands.

The ceremony also included a “lengthy conversation” between Myers and Kids in the Hall’s Dave Foley. The talk touched on a number of different subjects, including Myers’ fears that the studio wouldn’t release Wayne’s World, his fears that the studio wouldn’t release Austin Powers and how Michael Caine couldn’t get Beyoncé’s name right while filming Austin Powers in Goldmember. “He’d just go, ‘Hey, Be-yonts,’” Myers recalled.

They also chatted about how Myers’ Wayne’s World 2 co-star Christopher Walken seemingly couldn’t...

Wayne’s World is full of memorable cameos, from Alice Cooper, to Meatloaf, to the T-1000. But perhaps the best of the bunch is Chris Farley as the security guard who randomly provides a conspicuous chunk of exposition outlining where and when famed music producer Frankie “Mr. Big” Sharp will be in the near future.

This info, predictably, comes in very handy when Wayne and Garth later climatically hack into Mr. Big’s TV, which convinces him to sign Cassandra’s band — in the “mega happy ending” at least.

The film’s screenwriters, and Saturday Night Live veterans, Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner recently appeared on the Fly on the Wall podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade. While chatting about Wayne’s World, the husband and wife team revealed that the funniest joke in the whole scene was essentially a derisive response to a lame studio note.

According to Terry Turner,...

Netflix has debuted the first official trailer for Trigger Warning, an upcoming action thriller that stars Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four; Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer; Sin City) in the lead role as a skilled Special Forces commando who takes ownership of her father's bar after he suddenly dies, and soon finds herself at odds with a violent gang running rampant in her hometown.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Alba expressed her excitement and inspiration for making this film. "I loved Die Hard. I loved Star Wars. I loved Lethal Weapon, Beverly Hills Cop, all these movies I grew up with, but I always felt like I wanted to see the women kicking ass instead of always being saved."

In addition to Alba, the supporting cast features Mark Webber, Tone Bell, Jake Weary, Gabriel Basso, Anthony Michael Hall, Kaiwi Lyman, and Hari Dhillon.

Mouly Surya helmed the upcoming actioner, with...

Law & Order Svu star Mariska Hargitay took a break from solving dark crimes on her hit show when she appeared in The Love Guru. The feature was a lighthearted comedy based on a character created by Mike Myers. Myers and Hargitay would eventually become good friends, which led to Hargitay’s involvement in the film.

But when they met each other for the first time, Hargitay didn’t know what to make of Myers.

How Mariska Hargitay reacted to Mike Myers Mike Myers | Patrick McMullan / Getty Images

Myers’ The Love Guru was based on a character the comedian came up with in the 90s named Guru Pitka. Before the character’s cinematic debut, the Austin Powers star spent much of his time workshopping and refining the persona on the comedy circuit. Hargitay once confided that she became a part of the Guru’s comedic act before the pair had even officially met.

In 2005 and in 2007, director Tim Story made a pair of feature films starring the Fantastic Four, one of Marvel Comics' most superlative titles. "Fantastic Four," created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was more or less a family sitcom except the three family members and their best friend all happened to have superpowers. It was light and comedic, while also featuring bloviating, demonstrative supervillains who shouted regularly about the glories of world domination. It was a comic book series that declared itself to be The World's Greatest Comics Magazine! 

Story's feature film adaptations were not very well received when they were released. 2005's "Fantastic Four" only bears a 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," only has a 38% approval rating. Moreso, Marvel Comics fans were harsh to Story's movies, hating their cartoony tone and corny scripts. It's worth acknowledging, however, that Story's...

There’s a lot to watch on Prime Video in October and, as you may have guessed, there’s spooky stuff galore in amongst Prime’s usual rotation of extensive library content.

In the movie Totally Killer, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Kiernan Shipka travels back in time to the 1980s to stop a serial killer. Then there’s Make Me Scream, a Halloween special that challenges celebrities to “a gruesome game of terror.” Renfield will also be streaming on the service for anyone who’s been dying (muahahaha!) to catch the Nic Cage Dracula film.

Outside of Prime Video’s more creepy fare, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods will debut, Upload will be back for a third season, and new film Awareness should scratch your sci-fi itch. Meanwhile, for Frasier heads – those who consider themselves utterly Frasier-pilled – all eleven seasons of the Cheers spinoff show will be streaming at the touch of a button.

If you’re looking for a complete list of every new movie and TV show coming to Amazon Prime Video in October, you’ve come to the right place. This month kicks off with a slew of great library additions, from James Bond films to relatively new releases (“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and the Nicolas Cage Dracula movie “Renfield”) and beyond.

There are also some high-profile originals landing in October. The third season of the sci-fi comedy series “Upload” arrives on Oct. 20, while Oct. 6 marks the release of the Prime Video original film “Totally Killer,” a fun slasher set in the 1980s that stars Kiernan Shipka.

Check out the full list of what’s new on Amazon Prime Video in October 2023 below, followed by a complete list of new arrivals for Freevee in October as well.

Arriving October 1

Frasier, Seasons 1-11 (1994)

Hit, Season 3 (2020)

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

A Guy Thing...

So who had “Keanu Reeves doing a good deed makes Mike Myers look like a Hollywood diva” on their 2023 Pop Culture Bingo card? As it turns out, Mike Myers allegedly fired a bodyguard for looking him in the eyes for a split second on the set of “the awfully good” The Love Guru.

Mike Myers has swiftly denied the allegations of The Love Guru incident, with a representative saying, “Mike knows nothing about this. Not aware of anyone being hired or fired.”

Let’s give some context. It all started when Sonic Radio host Jay Brody caught wind of a video of Keanu Reeves helping the John Wick: Chapter 4 crew haul equipment up stairs. This, of course, prompted some to cry, “Oh, no, don’t cheer Keanu for being decent, it’s what we should all be doing anyway!” In a now-viral tweet, Sonic Radio host Jay Brody responded, “People...

Mike Myers has addressed the claim he fired a crew member from 'The Love Guru' for looking him in the eye, with a representative saying he "knows nothing".

The story continues.

The post Mike Myers “knows nothing” about crew member being allegedly fired from ‘The Love Guru’ for looking him in the eye first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

Mike Myers has responded to claims that a crew member was fired from one of his films because they looked him in the eye.

Last week, radio presenter Jay Brody alleged on social media that he had been working in security on the set of 2008 comedy The Love Guru.

Brody claimed that he was warned that “if you look at him, you’re going to get fired”, and was later fired after he “caught his eye for a second”.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Myers’ representatives said that the Austin Powers star was unaware of the alleged incident.

“Mike knows nothing about this,” they said. “Not aware of anyone being hired or fired.”

Brody initially shared his claims in response to a viral video that showed Keanu Reeves moving production equipment while on the set of John Wick: Chapter 4.

“People saying that ‘he shouldn’t be praised for...

Mike Myers “knows nothing” about a recent claim that alleges he had a crew member on “The Love Guru” fired because he looked at him straight in the eyes. Vancouver radio DJ Jay Brody caused a stir on social media when he shared a video of Keanu Reeves helping move production equipment on the set of “John Wick: Chapter 4.”

“People saying that ‘[Keanu] shouldn’t be praised for helping’ have no idea what it’s like working in film,” Brody posted on Twitter. “Mike Myers had me fired off the set of ‘The Love Guru’ because I made eye contact with him, and I was there as his bodyguard…give Keanu his roses.”

Brody later clarified in a follow-up video that he was not Myers’ direct bodyguard on set but worked for the film security unit on the set of “The Love Guru,” Myers’ infamous 2008 flop co-starring Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake.

Mike Myers apparently doesn’t like people looking him in the eye.

On the “Carly & Jay” radio show recently, Canadian DJ Jay Brody claimed that he was actually fired by the actor from one of his film sets for breaking that rule.

Read More: Mike Myers Shares Why Queen Elizabeth’s Passing Has Been ‘So Painful,’ Recalls Being Honoured At Buckingham Palace

“Mike Myers had me fired off the set of ‘The Love Guru’ because I made eye contact with him — and I was there as his bodyguard!” Brody said.

A rep for the actor disputed the claim, though, telling Page Six, “Mike didn’t have a bodyguard on ‘The Love Guru.’”

But Brody told the outlet that he had worked as a security guard assigned to the shooting location for the 2008 film in downtown Toronto.

He also claimed that he was warned that the “Wayne’s World” star had a...

Award-winning Kannada actress Radhika Pandit and ‘Rocking Star’ Yash’s photo shared on social media has gone viral. The celebrity couple, especially Radhika, shares family photos (including her children Ayra and Atharv) on many occasions. Both have a huge social media fan following. This time, the ‘Love Guru’ and ‘Mr and Mrs Ramachari’ star has not […]...

Photo: ‘The Pentaverate’ A Tried and True Style Mike Myers built a solid legacy in the 1990s and early 2000s as one of the most influential and recognizable comedy stars in the world after making a name for himself on Saturday Night Live with his cast of outrageous characters. In films like ‘Austin Powers’, ‘Wayne’s World’ and ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer’ Myers puts the skills he learned on SNL to work by taking on the roles of multiple characters within the films. This developed and became Myers’ calling card with all of his future projects, including ‘Shrek’ and later the ‘The Love Guru’, where for comedy he plays different parts throughout the films often sharing the screen with himself. Related article: Oscar-nominated - Exclusive: 'Dune' Full Commentary, Reactions, Making Of - Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac Related article: Oscar-nominated - 'House of Gucci' Full...

1. “Stranger Things” Season 4, Volume 1 (available May 27)

Best Reason to Watch: Summer is the season for blockbusters, and “Stranger Things” is TV’s biggest blockbuster — at least, until HBO’s “House of the Dragon” and Amazon Prime’s “Lord of the Rings” premiere at summer’s end. Even with those gargantuan franchises in the offing, the Duffer Brothers aren’t giving up the title of TV’s top popcorn program without a fight. Season 4 is being split into two volumes, with four or five episodes premiering May 27 and the remaining entries debuting July 1. Moreover, the creators have promised Season 4 is nearly twice the length of past seasons, featuring thousands of VFX shots spread across more than 800 pages of scripts. No wonder reports have claimed Season 4 cost upwards of 270 million to produce. That’s more than the rumored budget for Marvel’s latest “Doctor Strange,” which officially kicks off the summer movie season,...

A remake of "The Graduate" starring Mike Myers: can you picture it? "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels apparently could. According to Myers, Michaels offered him the starring role in just such a movie, though Myers turned it down and it obviously never came to fruition.

Myers is out making the promotional rounds right now for his new Netflix series, "The Pentaverate," which sees him playing multiple characters in a throwback to his Austin Powers days. It's been a hot minute since we saw Myers take on a live-action starring role like this. Since "The Love Guru" in 2008, Myers has mostly popped...

The post Lorne Michaels Wanted To Remake The Graduate with Mike Myers appeared first on /Film.

"You gotta do an exposé on it!" Netflix has unveiled the wacky first teaser trailer for the new comedy series called The Pentaverate (it's pronounced "pen-tav-urr-uht") the latest original creation by Mike Myers. The Pentaverate must never be exposed. His last creation was the movie The Love Guru, which ended up a huge flop, but now he's trying his hand at a series of new characters. An unlikely Canadian journalist finds himself embroiled in a mission to uncover the truth and just possibly save the world himself. Essentially it seems like he's mocking Q and right wing conspiracy nuts. Myers will play 8 characters in total, including a Canadian journalist, a conspiracy theorist, a right wing radio host, "Lord Lordington" of The Pentaverate, an Ex-Russian oligarch, and a tech genius, among others. The series full cast includes Ken Jeong, Keegan-Michael Key, Debi Mazar, Richard McCabe, Jennifer Saunders, & Lydia West. This looks wacky.

Mike Myers returns — in eight different roles — in The Pentaverate, an upcoming Netflix comedy series about a secret society.

According to the new teaser, the series takes place over 1,000 years in the future after a plague wipes out the population; the titular group works behind the scenes to orchestrate world events.

After spending the past decade and a half sporadically appearing in supporting parts and hosting game shows, The Pentaverate marks Myers’ first time in a starring role — and in many roles — since his disastrous 2008 comedy The Love Guru. Among...

It’s 1997 all over again, as the cast of “Austin Powers” has reunited for a new Super Bowl spot set to air during the Big Game on Sunday. Mike Myers reprises his iconic role from the comedy franchise in a commercial for Gm alongside Seth Green as Scott, Mindy Sterling as Frau Farbissina and Rob Lowe as the younger version of Number 2 from the 1999 sequel “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”.

The commercial finds Dr. Evil and Co. taking over General Motors, with a heavy emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. The ad brings back the death chair gag from the first film, as Dr. Evil considers killing his son as he continues to annoy him – only for Frau Farbissina to intervene. Scott, meanwhile, reveals that he has a baby, which Dr. Evil immediately dubs “Baby Me.”

It’s a fun callback to the comedy hit, which spawned two sequels...

Rooney as Japanese? Stone as Native Hawaiian? TheWrap looks at history of racially misguided castings

Katharine Hepburn in “Dragon Seed” (1944)

Caucasian Hepburn played a Chinese woman in this big-screen adaptation of the Pearl S. Buck novel.

Marlon Brando in “The Teahouse of the August Moon” (1956)

Brando starred as an Okinawan translator for the U.S. Army in this comedy about the American occupation of the island nation.

John Wayne in “Conquerer” (1956)

Wayne was cast as Mongol conquerer Genghis Khan in what’s considered by many to be one of the worst films of all time.

Charlton Heston in “Touch of Evil” (1958)

Heston starred as Ramon Miguel Vargas in the 1958 crime film, a Mexican narcotics officer.

Mickey Rooney in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)

More caricature than character, Rooney starred as the buck-toothed, Japanese Mr. Yunioshi in the 1961 film, which has faced volumes of criticism since.

Natalie Wood in “West Side Story” (1961)

Wood plays...

As the motion picture industry looks to get back on track at the box office, and avoid being the laughing stock of streamers, the latest question begged is: What was Sony thinking when they decided to move Hotel Transylvania: Transformania onto the Oct. 1-3 opening weekend of MGM’s Addams Family 2?

Both Halloween-centric animated movies are aimed at the same family audience, and frankly, it’s a set-up ripe for cannibalization. I understand United Artists Releasing, which is handling Addams Family 2, has no plans of moving the Greg Tiernan-Conrad Vernon directed pic as a result of Hotel Transylvania 4‘s weekend invasion. Period.

At the same time, Sony is looking to capitalize on all offshore markets being open in time for its prized family franchise; something Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway didn’t have. I also hear Sony’s decision to take Hotel Transylvania: Transformania to Oct. 1 is...

UTA has inked L.A.’s Finest, Sin City and Dark Angel actress, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Jessica Alba.

Alba has made over 25 feature films, earning a combined box office total of over $800 million. After breaking out in James Cameron’s Fox series Dark Angel, she went on to star in Fox/Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Her features also include Valentine’s Day, Robert Rodriguez’s Machete and Machete Kills, Little Fockers, The Love Guru, Into the Blue, Spy Kids 4-d as well as Sin City: A Dame to Kill for.

Recently, Alba has starred and executive produced the action drama L.A.’s Finest. Up next, she will host and produce a docuseries, Parents Without Borders, for Disney+ and she will star in and executive produce the Netflix action thriller Trigger Warning.

In 2011, Alba founded The Honest Company, a mission-driven company dedicated to inspiring everyone to love living consciously through its clean, sustainable,...

As the weather gets hotter and the film industry continues to face an uncertain future, one thing is crystal clear: There will be plenty of new movies to watch this summer — good ones, in fact — but there isn’t going to be a Summer Movie Season. There isn’t going to be a major blockbuster that makes you feel like a kid again (unless “Tenet” surprises); there isn’t going to be a silly comedy that you’ll associate with the smell of artificial popcorn butter for the rest of your life; there isn’t going to be a small movie with mass appeal that plays in arthouse circuit until the end of August. And though it’s still only the start of May, we can already tell that we’re going to miss the cancelled 2020 Summer Movie Season more than we ever would have guessed.

So we decided to...

Veteran film executive Pamela Abdy is joining MGM as motion picture group president, Chairman Michael de Luca announced Tuesday.

She will oversee development, production and post-production for all of MGM and Orion films, and will report to De Luca.

“I have long admired Pam for her exceptional abilities as both a studio executive and producer – both critical jobs in our industry and ones that she has handled with the utmost skill, taste and talent,” De Luca said. “She is among the very best and we are all beyond thrilled that she will be joining the MGM team as we steer the studio into the future.”

Also Read: Former Michael De Luca Productions Execs Elishia Holmes, Johnny Pariseau Join MGM

Abdy added: “I am honored to join Mike and the team at MGM/Orion. As a colleague and friend for over 20 years, I have long admired his bold choices and passionate support of filmmakers.

Update: Shortly after Deadline broke the story, MGM sent out a press release, confirming Pam Abdy’s appointment. She’ll carry the title of MGM Motion Picture Group President. Read the release before Deadline’s scoop.

Exclusive: Pam Abdy is being named to a top production post at the reconstituted MGM, sources said. The hire was made by Michael De Luca, who in early January was named chairman of MGM Motion Picture Group.

More from DeadlineMGM In Exclusive Talks for Hot Andy Weir Sci-Fi Novel 'Project Hail Mary,' Ryan Gosling Attached To Star & ProduceMGM Acquires U.S. On Channing Tatum & Reid Carolin-Helmed Road Trip Tale 'Dog'Michael De Luca Named Chairman Of MGM Motion Picture Group

Abdy is a veteran producer and studio exec who most recently helped Brad Weston start the production/finance company Makeready. Before that, she worked closely with Weston at New Regency during that company’s...

The time really is perfect for a film like Like A Boss, a movie about two female friends testing their sisterhood bond when challenged with a big money job that might make their business hit big in the cosmetics industry. With the awesome strength of women being at the core of so many successful and acclaimed motion pictures of late, this could be another offering that has a lot to say about the modern woman. Plus, with a strong cast, it seems like a winning formula? Right? Why is it then, that this film comes limping into its UK release off the back of some woeful reviews Stateside, and an equally limp box office taking? Is this an unfairly judged diamond, or is it a messy misfire? Sadly, I must report it is more the latter… only much worse.

To expand upon that aforementioned synopsis, friends Mel (Rose Byrne) and...

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” director Jay Roach sat down with The Independent for an interview reflecting on the unexpected success of the Mike Myers-led spy comedy franchise. Roach has been behind the camera for all three “Austin Powers” films and says he remains open to directing a fourth film. The last “Austin Powers” movie, “Goldmember,” opened in July 2002 and grossed just under $300 million worldwide.

“We’ve been trying to think up an idea that could earn a fourth film for a long time, but it’s always up to Mike,” Roach said. “He and I always thought there was more to do with Dr. Evil.”

The major obstacle facing a potential “Austin Powers 4” is the loss of supporting actor Verne Troyer. The performer became a face of the “Austin Powers” franchise as the character Mini-Me, debuting in “The Spy...

John Oliver visited Stephen Colbert on The Late Show Friday, where the Daily Show vets talked about The Lion King, Boris Johnson and whether the Last Week Tonight host actually met Beyoncé during the all-cast photoshoot.

In the lead-up to Friday’s The Lion King release, Disney distributed a photo of the entire voice cast together; in that photo, Oliver – who voices Zazu in the live-action remake – is standing next to Beyoncé, although the large gap between the singer and the late-night host had fans wondering whether Beyoncé was simply added to the photograph later.

Mike Myers will be starring and executively producing a new Netflix Comedy Series that is currently in the works in which he will be playing multiple characters. The comedy series will consist of 6 original episodes from Myers and will include several characters.

Myers says, “I love creating characters, and Netflix has given me a fantastic playground to play in.”

Not much else is known about the new Myers’ project at this point, other than it will be a limited series and will star the former Saturday Night Live castmate as well as the aforementioned information. Myers hasn’t headlined a film since Shrek Forever After in 2010 and hasn’t been the lead in a live-action project since 2008’s The Love Guru.

Executive Producers: Mike Myers, John Lyons, Jason Weinberg Associate Producers: Mackenzie Cyr and Justin Capraro-Gentuso

The post Mike Myers to Executive Produce and Star in Netflix Comedy Series appeared...

Believe it or not, audiences have been without a “Mike Myers wears funny makeup and puts on an accent” film for over a decade, specifically since 2008’s “The Love Guru.” But the less said about that film, the better. That being said, for a man that made a name for himself on ‘SNL’ and in his highly-successful film career utilizing his gift as a chameleon, it’s interesting that he has taken such a backseat in the last decade.

Continue reading Mike Myers To Produce & Star In New Half-Hour Netflix Comedy Series Where He Will Play Multiple Characters at The Playlist.

Verne Troyer’s death has been ruled as a suicide, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner announced Wednesday.

Troyer, 49, died April 21 at a Van Nuys, Calif., hospital after being admitted three weeks earlier for reported alcohol intoxication. It was later determined Troyer died from “sequelae of alcohol intoxication.” He was speculated to have died by suicide when news of his death first broke, but it was not confirmed until Wednesday by the coroner.

The actor was known for his short stature of 2’8″ and for portraying Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films. He also had more than 25 other film credits to his name, including the first Harry Potter movie, “The Love Guru,” and “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.”

The statement his family issued when he died noted that Troyer suffered from depression in the past.

“Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the...

During his appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Mike Myers recalled working with “Austin Powers” co-star Verne Troyer, who died on April 21.

With tears in his eyes, Myers told Kimmel that working with Troyer was “the most amazing thing. Verne was a fantastic human being.”

“Every day you see him, you go, ‘Wow that is a small human,'” he said. “But by the end of the day, you just saw Verne. It just sort of went away. He was part of the cast and fantastic. I miss him.”

Myers said he worked with Troyer for a long time, adding that he was “a great comedian.”

Myers and Troyer shared the screen in all three “Austin Powers” films, with Troyer starring as the iconic Mini-Me. They also appeared together in the 2008 comedy “The Love Guru.”

“As written, Mini-Me is almost a prop. But he brought it up off the page, better than written,...

Mike Myers has paid tribute to his “Austin Powers” co-star Verne Troyer, who died yesterday at age 49. Referring to the actor as a “beacon of positivity,” Myers says in a statement that Troyer “will be greatly missed.” The two shared the screen together in “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” and “The Love Guru.”

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

“Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh,” reads a message posted on Troyer’s social-media accounts yesterday. “Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach...

In the wake of the death of Verne Troyer, Mike Myers, who starred with the actor in the Austin Powers films, came forward to remember the actor in a statement given to Deadline.

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

Troyer starred in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). A riff on the James Bond movies, Troyer played Mini-Me, a cloned version of Myers’ villainous Dr. Evil who was one-eighth his size, but twice as evil.

He also starred alongside Myers in the comedy The Love Guru as Coach Punch Cherkov. The movie followed Pitka, an American raised outside of his country by gurus, as he returned to...

Verne Troyer, the diminutive actor who appeared as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series, died Saturday at the age of 49.

The actor's family confirmed Troyer's death on Instagram. "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the family wrote.

"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.

Verne Troyer, best known to audiences for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise, died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 49.

Troyer, who has publicly battled alcoholism, was first admitted to the hospital earlier this month after authorities were made aware that he was drunk and suicidal. There, he was treated for possible alcohol poisoning, according to TMZ.

The Austin Powers actor first began working in the mid-90s, appearing as a stunt double in the 1994 film Baby’s Day Out. That was followed by small parts in Men in Black, Jingle All the Way and Dustin Checks In.

Verne Troyer, the actor best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Power films and one of the shortest men in the world, has died. He was 49.

The news was announced in a post to his official Facebook page.

“It is with great sadness and incredible heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today,” the statement reads. “Verne was an extremely caring individual…[he] hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.”

The statement also made allusions to depression and suicide, and encouraged people to “be kind” to one another because “you never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.”

Troyer’s “Austin Powers” co-star Mike Myers paid tribute to the actor on Saturday.

“Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honour of working with him,” Myers said.

Verne Troyer, the actor best known for playing Mini-Me in the “Austin Powers” films, has died. He was 49.

According to a statement posted on his Instagram account, the actor died Saturday afternoon. Troyer’s representatives did not disclose a cause of death, but the statement alluded to depression and suicide. Troyer’s reps said there would be no comment beyond the statement.

“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,” read the statement. “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.”

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

Also Read: Verne Troyer Is 'Getting the Best Care Possible' After Hospitalization

The actor was hospitalized earlier this week after emergency personnel responded to a call at his North Hollywood residence. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told TheWrap that there was a call regarding a medical emergency, resulting in Troyer being transported to a local hospital.

On Tuesday, a message was posted to Troyer’s Instagram account that read, “Asking you to keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers. He’s getting the best care possible and resting comfortably. Appreciate the support from family, friends, and fans around the world. We will keep you updated here.”

Troyer, who was diagnosed with achondroplasia dwarfism and measured 2 feet 8 inches tall, played Mini-Me in the “Austin Powers” films and also starred as Griphook the goblin in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

Also Read: Avicii, Swedish DJ, Dies at 28

In a statement to TheWrap, “Austin Powers” costar Mike Myers said, “Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honor of working with him. It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed.”

He was born in Sturgis, Michigan, on Jan. 1, 1969 and began his Hollywood career in 1994 as a stunt double in “Baby’s Day Out.” Troyer’s other credits included “The Love Guru,” “Men in Black,” “Jingle All the Way,” “Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Scrubs” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” He also appeared on reality shows like “Celebrity Juice” and “Celebrity Wife Swap.”

Last April, Troyer said that he was entering a treatment center to combat alcohol addiction, after receiving treatment for the past week.

The statement posted to social media also asked that donations be made to either of his two favorite charities, The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies, in lieu of flowers.

Read original story Verne Troyer, Mini-Me Actor in ‘Austin Powers,’ Dies at 49 At TheWrap...

Justin Timberlake is that rare superstar combo: a celebrated singer who’s also a popular actor. Hot off of the heels of being announced as next year’s Super Bowl Halftime performer, he’ll soon be seen going up against Oscar winner Kate Winslet in Woody Allen’s Wonder Wheel.

How did a former ‘Nsync boy band member end up in a film with mounting Oscar buzz? Here’s a look at the 36-year-old’s evolution from singer to thespian.

From the Mickey Mouse Club to ‘Nsync

As a kid in 1983, the Memphis-native sang country songs on the singing competition show Star Search.

There’s nothing worse than watching people you admire show up in movies you immediately regret watching: Ben Kingsley in “The Love Guru,” Julianne Moore in “Seventh Son,” Viola Davis in “Suicide Squad.” Disasters like these make you wonder if their directors had something on their actors — a scandalous bargaining chip used to undeservingly leverage their skills for nefarious moviemaking ends.

Continue reading ‘The Incredible Jessica James’ Doesn’t Give Jessica Williams The Showcase She Deserves [Review] at The Playlist.

Verne Troyer has been hospitalized for alcohol addiction, and he says he is voluntarily checking into a treatment center.

Troyer, 48, who is best known as the dastardly clone Mini-Me in Mike Myers‘ Austin Powers series, addressed his ongoing struggles with alcohol.

“I’ve been hearing from some concerned fans, so I’d like to address a very personal situation,” Troyer said in a statement to People. “As you know, I’ve battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it’s not always been an easy fight, I’m willing to continue my fight day by day.”

Troyer, who was...

As awards season ramps up, we should also turn our attention to the Oscars’ evil twin: The Razzies, the film industry’s celebration of the worst films of the year. Is Adam Sandler‘s “Jack and Jill,” in which the comic actor plays a twin brother and sister, the worst of the bunch? What about “The Love Guru,” Mike Myers‘ ode to sex jokes and bathroom humor? Also Read: Wrap-Ranker Golden Globes Poll: Most Awkward Award Show Fails “Battlefield Earth” was so bad that it helped cause the collapse of the company behind it. Vote for the worst Razzie Award-finning film of all time.

facebook

twitter

google+

From Thomas F Wilson in Back To The Future to Nicolas Cage and John Travolta in Face/Off - when actors play multiple roles...

The dramatic use of actors playing multiple characters is a bold and rather theatrical device that has its ups and downs. It goes at least as far back as Captain Hook being played by the same actor who plays the Darling children's father in stage productions of Peter Pan, a technique largely adopted in film adaptations of the story, too (hello to Jason Isaacs).

It's used a lot in cinema too. Done well, it's impressive, but when it's bad, it's Jack & Jill. Whether used in comedy or drama or outright horror, there are countless examples of actors delivering terrific performances in more than one role at once, and that's before we even get past Cloud Atlas. Still, we've had a go at totting up 25 of the best.

The first teaser trailer for Jon Favreau and Disney's live-action Jungle Book remake arrived yesterday and swiftly blew everyone away.

Who thought, after Cinderella and Maleficent, another film inspired by an animated classic could look this good? The voice cast supporting newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, probably. We haven't seen Lupita Nyong'o or Giancarlo Esposito's wolves Raksha and Akela yet, but check out who was revealed in the first trailer below:

Character: Baloo

Actor: Bill Murray

Rudyard Kipling, who wrote the original novels the film is based on, called Baloo "the sleepy brown bear". You can see why they cast comedy giant Bill Murray, then, a man whose ability to be very funny and very laid back has made him a household name. Top tip: you're probably best off not mentioning his Garfield movies next time you see him. Sure, he played a similarly chilled-out animal - only instead...

The first teaser trailer for Jon Favreau and Disney's live-action Jungle Book remake arrived yesterday and swiftly blew everyone away.

Who thought, after Cinderella and Maleficent, another film inspired by an animated classic could look this good? The voice cast supporting newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, probably. We haven't seen Lupita Nyong'o or Giancarlo Esposito's wolves Raksha and Akela yet, but check out who was revealed in the first trailer below:

Character: Baloo

Actor: Bill Murray

Rudyard Kipling, who wrote the original novels the film is based on, called Baloo "the sleepy brown bear". You can see why they cast comedy giant Bill Murray, then, a man whose ability to be very funny and very laid back has made him a household name. Top tip: you're probably best off not mentioning his Garfield movies next time you see him. Sure, he played a similarly chilled-out animal - only instead...

With films like "The Love Guru," "Valentine’s Day," "Good Luck Chuck" and "Fantastic Four" on her resume, Jessica Alba is aware not all of her films are critical darlings. "I mean, there's so many bad ones," she admits in a new interview with Allure. "But they're fun. You learn from every experience you have, right?" Though she seems comfortable with her IMDb credits, Alba may still have a regret or two. "I wish I found my voice as a person earlier," she continues, "because I felt like I had to just shut up and do what they wanted me to, even though it was against how I really felt." "I never wanted to play into a stereotype, where its like, Oh, you’re just the girl who gets saved by the guy, and she doesn’t know how to make decisions, and she gets overwhelmed with all this stuff happening around her,...

I remember when I was young, my father, a sort of rogue ecologist who learned everything he knew about rivers and their ecosystems secondhand, told me about these species of bottom feeders that lived in streams all over the Missouri and Mississippi river basins. I don’t remember what species they were but the thing about them was that they only flourished in polluted bodies of water. They didn’t flourish because of the pollution necessarily so much as their natural predators, killed off by the pollution, ceased to keep them in check and so their population would explode. Despite their usefulness as a gauge for the health of a stream, they were generally unwelcome.

I think I’ve come to regard Ben Kingsley in the same manner. It all started with a film called Suspect Zero (though really, it must’ve really started with House of Sand and Fog...

The Screening House

Everyone has presumably sat down to a movie so inherently terrible that afterwards they’ve turned to a friend and said: “Well, that’s the last we’ll be seeing of that actor.”

Yes, movies have been killing careers in Hollywood for a long ‘ol time – Showgirls destroyed Elizabeth Berkley, Son of the Mask finished Jamie Kennedy, Superman Returns ended Brandon Routh’s chances at stardom, and The Love Guru finished off Mike Meyers.

It takes a seriously terrible work of filmic awfulness to end an entire career, but it does happen… from time to time. Be it a fresh-faced newcomer or an established star clinging to his or her last ounces of fame, a really bad movie has the power to destroy everything it touches – directors, writers, actors; a truly naff flick is something akin to career suicide.

What follows, then, is a list of 8 movies...

Justin Timberlake on the Oscars' Red Carpet Justin Timberlake at the Academy Awards The Social Network actor Justin Timberlake arrives at the 83rd Academy Awards, which took place on Sunday, Feb. 27, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. At the ceremony, Timberlake and Black Swan actress Mila Kunis introduced the nominees – and eventual winners – in the animation categories. Throughout the proceedings, he pretended to be the elusive Banksy, whose Exit Through the Gift Shop was a Best Documentary Feature contender. The joke fell mostly flat, but Timberlake actually elicited some laughs when he imitated three-time Oscar-nominated veteran Kirk Douglas*, who mercilessly stretched the Best Supporting Actress announcement into what seemed like hours. Admittedly, Douglas was funny. (The winner in that particular category turned out to be Melissa Leo for David O. Russell's The Fighter.) As announced by the Justin Timberlake-Mila Kunis duo, the Best Animated Short Film was Shaun Tan...

One Direction fans, bring it on in for a virtual hug. Because we know you're hurting and we understand. Not only do we sympathize but we straight up empathize. Once upon a time, a band named Nsync decided to break up because someone just had to go solo and do stuff like star in a movie called The Love Guru. But whatever! We're not bitter about it still. What we're trying to say is we totally get the pain and anguish currently coursing through your bloodstream now that you've heard the terrible news that Zayn Malik will be leaving One Direction…for good. We just want to check up on y'all and see how Directioners are handling it. So let's just take a quick look at Twitter and… Oh,...