Pro-wrestler and ‘Jackass 3D’ star Stevie Lee dies at 54

Stevie Lee in the “midget bar fight scene” in the 2010 hit comedy movie, “Jackass 3D” (Image: screengrab from YouTube/@Movieclips)

Professional wrestler and actor Stevie Lee, who was also known as “Puppet the Psycho Dwarf” in wrestling, passed away last Wednesday, Sept. 9. He was 54 years old.

Lee unexpectedly died inside his home, his family confirmed on a GoFundMe page set up for his funeral expenses. The cause of death was not disclosed, although his friend and fellow wrestler Jacob Colyer confirmed that Lee died of a heart attack, CNN reported yesterday, Sept. 11.

“He was beloved by many, has many friends that were family, and a countless number of fans that adored him. His family needs help to lay him to rest in a peaceful place,” the statement on the crowdfunding page read.

“Puppet has put smiles on people’s faces across the world with his hardcore attitude and lifestyle. He is a legend in the art of Midget Wrestling. He needs our help to give him one last curtain call,” it added.

Lee was indeed known for being “hardcore,” as aside from being a wrestler, he also appeared in Johnny Knoxville’s 2010 film “Jackass 3D,” where the cast pulled off dangerous pranks and stunts.

He also appeared in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Freak Show” and in the film “Oz The Great and Powerful.”

Rick Kosick, a crew member of the “Jackass” television show and movies, honored Lee through Twitter earlier today, Sept. 12, by remembering one of his favorite scenes in the said film.

“The midget bar fight scene was one of the funniest things we shot on jackass 3D. RIP, Stevie,” he said.

The midget bar fight scene was one of the funniest things we shot on jackass 3D. RIP, Stevie https://t.co/PTBsM0T4DA

— Rick Kosick (@rickkosick) September 11, 2020

Impact Wrestling, formerly called TNA, also paid tribute to Lee, posting on Twitter yesterday: “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.”

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 10, 2020

Fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian likewise honored Lee yesterday via Twitter, saying he will “never forget the crazy tour of the UK we shared and the fun we all had.”

“Godspeed my friend,” he added.

https://twitter.com/FrankieKazarian/status/1304271684657197056

Lee is also credited for founding the Half Pint Brawlers, a “midget wrestling” organization, which eventually led to a 2010 TV show of the same name on Spike TV. Ian Biong /ra

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