Ryan Gosling Says Verne Troyer Told Him About His “Austin Powers” Character While Filming “Young Hercules”: ‘I Didn’t Totally Get It’

**Ryan Gosling Remembers Verne Troyer’s Unique Role in ‘Young Hercules’ Before Fame in ‘Austin Powers’**

Ryan Gosling has shared nostalgic recollections of his time working alongside the late Verne Troyer during their collaboration on the short-lived series *Young Hercules*. The show, which aired in 1998 and only lasted a single season, provided an early opportunity for both actors, with Gosling in the titular role and Troyer taking on the unique character of a dinosaur.

In a recent episode of the *Happy Sad Confused* podcast, hosted on 19 March, Gosling revealed that he had heard about Troyer’s upcoming role before the release of the highly anticipated 1999 film, *Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me*. Gosling admitted that he did not fully grasp Troyer’s intention at the time, stating, “I didn’t totally get it, obviously, until I saw it.”

Gosling took a moment to reflect on Troyer, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 49, describing him as “a really interesting guy.” He recounted their frequent conversations on set, where the two would often discuss various topics between takes. Troyer was preparing for his iconic role as Mini-Me, a mischievous clone of Dr. Evil, played by Mike Myers in the *Austin Powers* franchise, which included the 1999 film and its sequel, *Austin Powers in Goldmember*, released in 2002.

According to Gosling, the dynamic with Troyer was both intriguing and amusing. He noted the distinct contrast between their personal conversations and the practicality of filming. “There were times where, in the episode, I have to squeeze him, and then this, like, goo comes out and catches stuff on fire,” Gosling recalled, highlighting the peculiar nature of their production work.

Despite the eccentricities of their scenes, Gosling found humour in describing Troyer’s transformation as filming commenced. “It’s strange because he and I would be talking about life and all of that, and then someone would say, ‘Okay. It’s time to shoot.’ And then he’d, like, have to put on the helmet and be like, ‘Alright. Let’s go.’ Like, ‘Let’s just squeeze the goo out of me.’”

Gosling added a light-hearted remark about the experience, joking, “We’re all getting the goo squeezed at some point,” underscoring the camaraderie they shared during a presumably chaotic filming process. Despite the bizarre nature of the scenes, it was clear that Gosling held a deep respect for Troyer, labelling him a “lovely” and “fascinating dude.”

Verne Troyer’s leap to stardom came shortly after his stint on *Young Hercules*, where his role in *Austin Powers* effectively catapulted him into mainstream Hollywood, allowing him to become a beloved figure in popular culture. His portrayal of Mini-Me has since become iconic, synonymous with his ability to bring charm and humour to varied roles despite his size.

As Gosling reminisces about this earlier phase of both his career and Troyer’s, it serves as a reminder of the unexpected friendships and connections that can arise in the entertainment industry. Their brief collaboration on *Young Hercules* allowed them both to explore their talents, paving the way for Troyer’s future successes.

The fond memories shared by Gosling evoke not only a sense of nostalgia but also a celebration of Troyer’s life and innovations as a performer. In a world that often focuses on the celebrity status of individuals, stories like this shine a light on the personal experiences and relationships that form the backbone of the filmmaking process.

Gosling’s reflections on his interactions with Troyer remind us that even in unconventional circumstances, such as the filming of a children’s fantasy series, true friendships can blossom, enriched by both humour and respect. As fans continue to remember Troyer for his significant contributions to entertainment, Gosling’s account offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual who left an enduring mark on the film industry.