`MINI-ME' TO BE HOT TOPIC AT LITTLE PEOPLE CONFERENCE

`MINI-ME' TO BE HOT TOPIC AT LITTLE PEOPLE CONFERENCE

PORTLAND, Ore. (Wireless Flash) -- Moviegoers aren't the only ones buzzing about 32-inch-tall actor Verne Troyer, who plays Mini-Me in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." According to legendary little person Billy Barty, the wild and goofy character played by Troyer is sure to be a hot topic at the Little People of America conference, which is being held Portland, Oregon, this week. 74-year-old Barty says he's sure reactions to Mini-Me will be mixed, but as far as he's concerned, he wouldn't touch the role because of the naughty adult humor involved. He says children identify with little people, so he's made it a point never to do anything raunchy on screen. However, Barty thinks Troyer is a great guy who will do a lot for men of his stature by appearing at Hollywood events with full-size starlets. In Barty's words: "This should make tall girls less embarrassed to date little guys."

CONTACT: Billy Barty, ***1/2; Arrange with Bill York; LA; (818) 710-7061 or (310) 466-8937 (cell phone)