Joseph Wayne Miller, AKA Salami Sam From Heavyweights, Dies At 36

Joseph Wayne Miller, who was best known for his role in Heavyweights, died on Tuesday at the age of 36.
Miller’s mother told TMZ that the former child actor passed in his sleep in Chicago, where he lived. His girlfriend reportedly found his body.
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While the cause of death is unknown, Miller’s mother said he suffered from sleep apnea.
His most memorable role was Salami Sam, one of the kids trying to lose weight at Camp Hope in the beloved ├óΓé¼╦£90s comedy written by Judd Apatow. The producer remembered the “pure joy” of being around Miller back in the day, sharing in a statement to Page Six:

“When we made ├óΓé¼╦£Heavyweights’ being around Joe Miller was pure joy. We could not have loved spending time with him more. He made everyone around him so happy. What a terrible loss.”

Aaron Schwartz, the actor who played Gerald Garner in Heavyweights, also paid tribute to his former costar on Wednesday. He shared on Instagram:

Rest In Peace buddy 😢 #Repost @phi5h ・・・ #SalamiSam is my spirit animal. #HeavyWeights #JosephWayneMiller #FatCamp #KenanThompson #ShaunWeiss #BenStiller #TonyPerkis #TomMcGowan #AaronSchwartz #JuddApatowA post shared by Aaron Schwartz (@aaronschwartz11) on Jan 10, 2018 at 9:09am PST

R.I.P.
[Image via Disney.]