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'Austin Powers' actor Verne Troyer dies at age 49

"He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh," the actor's representative said in a statement.
/ Source: TODAY

Verne Troyer, the actor known for his role as Mini Me in the "Austin Powers" films, died on Saturday, according to a statement from his representative provided to TODAY. He was 49 years old.

Verne Troyer Dies At 49
"Verne was an extremely caring individual," a statement posted to his social media accounts read.Christopher Polk / Getty Images

"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," read the statement, which was also posted on Troyer's official Facebook page and Instagram. "Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday."

It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday. He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film & television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s & personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing. Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know. 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. During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately. Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. 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. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Verne’s name to either of his two favorite charities; The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies. Photo by @paulmobleystudio

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on

A cause of death has not yet been released.

The statement said Troyer faced "a recent time of adversity" and was "a fighter when it came to his own battles." It went on to mention his struggles with depression and suicide. "You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another," the statement continued.

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDSTANDER / Austin Powers in Goldmember USA 2002 / Jay Roach Mini Me (VERNE TROYER), Dr. Evil (MIKE MYERS) Regie: Jay Roach aka. Austin Powers in Goldmember. Image shot 2002. Exact date unknown.
Verne Troyer and Mike Myers in 2002's "Austin Powers in Goldmember."Alamy Stock Photo / Alamy Stock Photo

Aside from his part in 1999's "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and 2002's "Austin Powers in Goldmember," Troyer also appeared in dozens of other films and television series, including "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "The Love Guru."

The actor's representative wrote that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Troyer's name to his favorite charities: Best Buddies and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.