Model: I Married Mini-Me

Verne Troyer's ex claims to have evidence proving couple got married; actor says marriage was sham

By Josh Grossberg Jun 11, 2004 9:10 PMTags

Verne Troyer probably wishes he had Dr. Evil's time machine right about now.

Mini-Me's alter ego is facing a maxi-headache in the increasingly bitter battle over his split from model Genevieve Gallen.

Troyer, best known for playing Mike Myers' pint-size clone in the Austin Powers films, went to court earlier this year seeking an annulment, insisting the former fun couple never really got married.

But now the lawyer for Gallen--a 31-year-old, 5-foot-6 yoga instructor and, per her Website, "aspiring Playboy centerfold"--says he has proof that the two were legally hitched, therefore making her eligible for spousal support.

Her attorney, Evan Itzkowitz, tells Los Angeles' City News Service that Troyer and Gallen (whose real last name is Gowman), swapped vows on Jan. 22 in the courtroom of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard Stone following "a 45-minute conversation about marriage in the judge's chambers," officially making her "Missus-Me." (Ah, that wacky lawyer humor.)

Itzkowitz also says that the duo exchanged wedding wings and planned a bigger ceremony for family and friends on Valentine's Day. According to reports, however, Troyer got cold feet and broke things off.

He filed for annulment on Feb. 23, simply citing "unsound mind" and "fraud."

In a potential first step in seeking spousal support, Gallen has filed a motion demanding financial records from the vertically challenged actor, including details on a contract he signed with NBC for development of a reality show based around his late-night adventures on the Hollywood party circuit.

Troyer's attorney, Fred Silberberg, could not be reached for comment Friday but did say earlier this week that "our position is this was not a valid marriage." He also hinted that Gallen might be looking to cash in on Troyer's fame.

Itzkowitz disputed that assertion, accusing Troyer of trying to wiggle out of the union because it could impact his deal with NBC.

Troyer, 35, met fellow Michigan native Gallen about three years ago. They reportedly got engaged last summer.

Although he's best known as Mini-Me in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Austin Powers in Goldmember, Troyer has appeared in several commercials and had bit parts in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for next Friday.