'Jackass' star Stevie Lee aka Puppet The Psycho Dwarf dies at 54, grieving fans say '2020 can't end fast enough'
'Jackass' star Stevie Lee has died at the age of 54, his family has confirmed, adding that he passed away "unexpectedly" at his home on Wednesday, September 9, morning.
He was well-known to his wrestling fans by the stage name of Puppet The Psycho Dwarf. His cause of death was not revealed by his family. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help with the funeral costs.
A statement on the page read: "Steve 'Puppet The Psycho Dwarf' Lee Richardson unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at his home in the morning. 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 arrangements. Puppet has put smiles across the world with his hardcore attitude and lifestyle.''
It added: "He is a legend in the art of Midget Wrestling. He needs our help to give him one last curtain call. Please donate what you can, share his memories with everyone, and share this fundraiser to give the Psycho Dwarf the best resting place possible. All proceeds will be given to Jim Richardson to handle the services/burial costs. Thank you all so much and Puppet, we love you brother!'' At the time of writing this article, the fundraiser had raised $710 of a goal of $5000.
Impact Wrestling, where Stevie Lee used to wrestle when the brand was called Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), also released a statement. ''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,'' the statement read.
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 started his wrestling career in the early 2000s and made appearances on several TNA pay-per-view specials. One of his appearances which featured Lee pulling a gun on TNA wrestler Jeff Jarrett is still remembered by some fans to this day. "Him pulling a gun to Jeff Jarrett is still one of the funniest segments in TNA history , RIP" one of the fans commented, while another said, "Wasn’t this the guy who pulled out a gun in storyline? legen-dary"
him pulling a gun to Jeff Jarrett is still one of the funniest segments in TNA history , RIP
— samuele brogi (@BrogiSamuele) September 11, 2020
Wasn’t this the guy who pulled out a gun in storyline?
— KnicksLoseAgain Backup (Suspended) (@KLA_Backup) September 10, 2020
legen-dary
Here are some of the other tributes paid by fans:
"Stop it 2020 please. Rest in Peace Stevie Lee"
Stop it 2020 please. Rest in Peace Stevie Lee
— MCWA Pro Wrestling (@MCWAProWres) September 10, 2020
"I fondly remember him from the halfpint brawlers"
I fondly remember him from the halfpint brawlers
— Marsl Durer (angry & tired) (@MarslArts) September 11, 2020
"He made the Asylum days hardcore. Really stood out. Reaper don't take down another TNA star. Give it a rest."
He made the Asylum days hardcore. Really stood out. Reaper don't take down another TNA star. Give it a rest.
— spacehog125 (@BrokenSpacehog) September 11, 2020
"This year sucks Stevie Lee was one of the toughest guys ever may he rest in eternal peace."
This year sucks Stevie Lee was one of the toughest guys ever may he rest in eternal peace. 💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭
— WavneliusW. (@wavewrim) September 10, 2020
"Rest in peace Stevie Lee.. 2020 can't end fast enough."
Rest in peace Stevie Lee.. 2020 can't end fast enough
— 🤼Mï¢håêl †êþê§🤼🗽 (@FatherOfTears) September 11, 2020
Apart from 'Jackass 3D,' Stevie also had his own reality TV show called 'Half Pint Brawlers', which followed him running his own wrestling company. He also starred in 'Baby Fever the Movie' and 'Oz the Great and Powerful'. The actor was also featured in an episode of FX's hit anthology series 'American Horror Story: Freak Show' and featured on 'The Best Damn Sports Show Period'.