Dr. Goldmember

A gold-obsessed Dutch villain with a tractor beam and a history of smelting accidents.

Goldmember is the titular main antagonist of the 2002 American spy comedy Austin Powers in Goldmember, the third installment in the franchise. Born Johan van der Smut, he is a Dutch supervillain obsessed with gold who partners with Dr. Evil to execute a plan for world domination. His name stems from a smelting accident where he lost his genitalia and subsequently received a prosthetic replacement made of the precious metal. Unlike previous villains in the series, Goldmember brings a distinct criminal mastermind presence from the past, having been active in 1975 running Studio 69, and later in 2002 he unveils a tractor beam built to pull a giant meteorite into Earth for ransom.

Quick Facts

Character name: Goldmember
Role: Titular main antagonist
Film debut: Austin Powers in Goldmember
Affiliation: Partner of Dr. Evil; Independent
Status: Arrested
Portrayed by: Mike Myers

Lore & Background

Goldmember's origins trace back to a tragic industrial accident in which he lost his genitalia during a smelting incident, leading him to adopt the name 'Goldmember' after receiving a golden prosthetic. He is a sometime ally of Dr. Evil, united by their shared goal of global conquest. In 2002, from his lair beneath the Hollywood Sign, accessed via a secret entrance in the sign itself, Goldmember unveils a plan involving a tractor beam device capable of pulling a giant meteorite into Earth. His base of operations in 1975 is Studio 69, a roller disco club in London where he maintains control over his criminal empire.

Reader's Guide

Goldmember serves as the primary threat that unites Austin Powers and his former nemesis Dr. Evil. His most defining trait is his obsession with gold, which extends from his prosthetic genitalia to his vehicle and the devices he uses. He commands a powerful tractor beam and utilizes a time machine to shift between eras. During the climax on Dr. Evil's submarine, Goldmember reveals that his golden genitalia actually serve as a spare key for the tractor beam controls. While Austin and Dr. Evil work together to reverse the beam's polarity and destroy the meteor, Goldmember is arrested after his plan fails.

Did You Know?

Mike Myers plays Goldmember throughout the entire film; there is no cameo by John Travolta as the character.
Goldmember's Dutch origins were inspired by an HBO episode featuring a man who operated a 'sex barn' north of Rotterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does he partner with Dr. Evil?

Although he operates as an independent villain, he forms an alliance with Dr. Evil to combine resources for their time travel scheme. They work together to steal technology from 1975 required to power Goldmember's destructive device.

What is his final fate in the movie?

After being defeated by Austin Powers during a climactic battle, he is taken into custody by federal agents. His story concludes with him being arrested and imprisoned rather than meeting his demise.