AUSTIN POWERS - TROYER'S DRINK PROBLEM EXACERBATED BY MARRIAGE

TROYER'S DRINK PROBLEM EXACERBATED BY MARRIAGE

AUSTIN POWERS star VERNE TROYER relied heavily on alcohol to cope with his turbulent marriage to GENEVIEVE GALLEN. The pint-sized actor admits to drinking his weight in alcohol in an attempt to deal with their marital problems, but says it contributed to the eventual break-up of his marriage. In October 2002 the 38-year-old nearly died of alcohol poisoning after being distraught following their split after two months of marriage. He says, "When I was dating her she had a lot of problems. I was trying as much as I could to help her but I couldn't concentrate on myself. "I am not blaming her but while dealing with Genevieve's problems I ended up drinking a lot." Troyer sought help for his alcoholism in Michigan's Jim Gilmore Junior rehab facility, but he suffered a setback in January (07). He says, "I would never say I am cured. I need to stay sober. But I am happy where I am at. I'm in the best place of my life."