Stevie Lee, ‘Jackass 3D’ and ‘American Horror Story’ Star, Dies at 54

Stevie Lee, the wrestler and actor in projects such as Jackass 3D, American Horror Story: Freak Show and Oz The Great and Powerful, has died. Lee was 54.

The news was announced in a GoFundMe fundraiser posted on Thursday and confirmed by his agent. Lee — who went by the wrestling name “Puppet the Psycho Dwarf” — had “unexpectedly passed away” at his home, the GoFundMe says. “He was beloved by many, has many friends that were family, and a countless number of fans that adored him,” the fundraiser added. “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.”

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His agency, fameagency, said in a statement, “For the second time this week, fameagency has lost one of our wonderful talent. Stevie Lee Richardson, known in the wrestling community as ‘Puppet,’ passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday. Our condolences to his family and friends.”

The family is asking for funds to help cover burial costs. As of press time, the GoFundMe had raised over $2,000 of a $5,000 goal.

On Thursday, Impact Wrestling tweeted, “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.”

Kicking off his wrestling career in 2002 with NWA: Total Nonstop Action, Lee — née Steven Lee Richardson — founded Half Pint Brawlers, a hardcore little person wrestling company that later inspired the 2010 Spike TV show of the same name. During his performing career, Lee appeared in The Best Damn Sports Show Period, Jackass 3D, Jackass 3.5 and Death Match.

After starring regularly in 2010’s Half Pint Brawlers, he also landed roles on Oz The Great and Powerful, American Horror Story and American Horror Story: Freak Show.