Heavyweights Star Joseph Wayne Miller Dead At 36

By Emily Surpless/Jan. 10, 2018 4:02 pm EST

The child actor has passed away.

TMZ reports that Joseph Wayne Miller died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. According to the celeb gossip rag, he was found dead by his girlfriend in Chicago. TMZ notes that Miller's mother, Patricia, believes her son died as a result of his sleep apnea. However, an official cause of death has not yet been announced.

Miller was 36 years old.

Miller was best known for playing Salami Sam in Judd Apatow's 1995 comedy Heavyweights, alongside Ben Stiller and Kenan Thompson. "When we made 'Heavyweights' being around Joe Miller was pure joy," Apatow said in a statement obtained by Deadline on Wednesday, Jan. 10. "We could not have loved spending time with him more. He made everyone around him so happy. What a terrible loss."

Miller's Heavyweights co-star Aaron Schwartz also commented on the actor's death. Sharing a video compilation of some of Miller's Heavyweights scenes, Schwartz wrote, "Rest In Peace buddy," adding, "#SalamiSam is my spirit animal."

A post shared by Aaron Schwartz (@aaronschwartz11) on Jan 10, 2018 at 9:09am PST

Speaking with Page Six, Schwartz said, "Joe always brought the fun to the set. He was one of those people you always wanted to be around. So sad. So young. Rest In Peace Joe."

Our thoughts are with Miller's loved ones at this time.