Verne Troyer, the diminutive actor who appeared as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series, died Saturday at the age of 49.

The actor's family confirmed Troyer's death on Instagram. "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," the family wrote.

"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."

While no cause of death was revealed, the family wrote of "recent time of adversary" the actor faced. "Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles," they wrote. "Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much… Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another."

Austin Powers star Verne Troyer’s death was a suicide, a coroner in Los Angeles has said.

The actor, best known for playing Mini-Me in the spy comedy franchise, had openly battled alcoholism and died aged 49 in April.


Troyer, who was born with a form of dwarfism that stopped him growing past 2ft 8in, spent the final three weeks of his life in hospital in Los Angeles for alcohol intoxication.

Following an autopsy and further tests, the Los Angeles county department of medical examiner-coroner said Troyer died on 21 April from the effects of alcohol.

They ruled his death was a suicide.