'Austin Powers' actor suspected in prison death

Joseph Son played henchman named Random Task in film

Published On: Oct 12 2011 11:48:00 AM EDT
Joseph Son

A bit actor who appeared in the first "Austin Powers" movie is suspected in the death of his cellmate at the California prison where he is serving a life sentence.

Joseph Son , 40, wore a bowler hat and played one of Dr. Evil's henchmen, named Random Task, in 1997's "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery." He also was a mixed martial arts fighter who appeared in several other movies or videos in the 1990s, according to his Hollywood biography.

Son's cellmate was found dead in their cell Monday evening, The Associated Press reported.

The inmate's name is being withheld as authorities notify his next of kin, according to a statement released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He had entered Wasco State Prison on June 23 for failing to register as a sex offender, which was a violation of his parole.

Son was sentenced in September to life in prison for gang raping a woman in 1990, the AP reported.

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