Verne Troyer dies at the age of 49, posts confirm

‘Austin Powers’ actor was admitted to hospital in Los Angeles earlier this month

File image of actor Verne Troyer at Cannes, France,  in May 2009. File photograph: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images
File image of actor Verne Troyer at Cannes, France, in May 2009. File photograph: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

Austin Powers star Verne Troyer has died aged 49, his official social media accounts have confirmed.

The US actor, best known for playing Mini-Me in the spy comedy films, had openly struggled with alcoholism.

Earlier this month he had been admitted to hospital in Los Angeles.

A statement posted on his social media pages read: “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today.

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“Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh.

“Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.

“You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know – it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.”

Troyer, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009, was recently baptised while surrounded by family, the message added.

The actor's credits also include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Men in Black.