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‘Heavyweights’ actor Joseph Wayne Miller passes away aged 36

Tributes have poured in for the 90s child star.
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Heavyweights actor Joseph Wayne Miller has tragically passed away at the age of 36.

The actor, best remembered for playing ‘Salami Sam’ on the 1995 film Heavyweights died in his sleep on Tuesday night, according to TMZ.

Miller’s mother, Patricia, told the website that he passed away in Chicago and that his body was reportedly found by his girlfriend. 

1990s
(Credit: Disney)

Although the cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, Patricia revealed her son suffered from sleep apnea, a disorder which restricts – and can even stop – a person breathing during sleep.

Judd Apatow, who produced Heavyweights, paid tribute to the former child star.

‘When we made Heavyweights, being around Joe Miller was pure joy,’ he said in a statement to Page Six. ‘We could not have loved spending time with him more. He made everyone around him so happy. What a terrible loss.’

His co-star Aaron Schwartz also shared a tribute on social media. 

‘Rest In Peace buddy,’ he wrote.

This article originally appeared on New Idea.

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