Stevie Lee, a professional wrestler who also starred in “Jackass 3D,” died Wednesday, his family said. He was 54.
Lee’s family confirmed his death on a GoFundMe page, writing that the athlete “unexpectedly passed away” at his home.
Lee, whose real name was Stevie Lee Richardson, was known professionally in the ring as Puppet the Psycho Dwarf. He made his wrestling debut in 1992 with the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance, Variety reported. He also wrestled with the Eastern Championship Wrestling promotion before spending two years on the independent circuit, the magazine reported.
Stevie Lee has unexpectedly passed away at 54.https://t.co/eqxHs6bIZV
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) September 11, 2020
Lee’s major break in wrestling came in 2002 in the “NWA: Total Nonstop Action” pay-per-view series, Variety reported.
“He was beloved by many and has many friends that were family, fans that adored him, but only his brother Jim left to take care of final arrangement,” the GoFundMe statement read. “Puppet has put smiles across the world with his hardcore attitude and lifestyle."
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Stevie Lee, better known as "Puppet The Psycho Dwarf" in the early days of TNA. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/tdVdCFkNCJ
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 10, 2020
Lee also created the Half-Pint Brawlers organization, which landed him the 2010 series “Half-Pint Brawlers” on Spike TV, Deadline reported.
According to his obituary, Lee appeared as himself in Johnny Knoxville’s 2010 feature film “Jackass 3D” and was later cast as a Munchkin in 2013′s “Oz the Great and Powerful.” He also had a role in an episode of Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Freak Show," Variety reported.
Donations from the GoFundMe page will be earmarked for Lee’s brother, Jim Richardson, to assist with funeral costs, Entertainment Tonight reported.
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