'Mini Me' gets recognised worldwide

Verne Troyer's role as Mini Me in the Austin Powers films has made the tiny actor recognisable in virtually all corners of the globe. But the actor says it is rare that people know his real name.

"I am not going to say I get sick of it [being called Mini Me]," Troyer said in Sydney after launching the National Australia Bank "mini" Visa card.

"It is just unfortunate that people don't actually know my real name. I get shocked sometimes when they actually do know my real name."

The diminutive 36-year-old has worked in Hollywood for almost 10 years - his first break was being a stunt double for a nine-month-old baby in the film Baby's Day Out - but his big break was as the tiny clone of Dr Evil.