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VERNE Troyer has died aged 49.

The Austin Powers actor - who struggled with a battle with alcoholism - passed away on Saturday, his family have confirmed.

 The 49-year-old actor passed away today, his family have announced
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The 49-year-old actor passed away today, his family have announcedCredit: PA:Press Association

He was 2ft 8in tall after being born with a condition called achondroplasia dwarfism.

The star's family confirmed the news with a statement on his Instagram page.

"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.

 He was most famous for playing Mini Me in the Austin Powers movies
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He was most famous for playing Mini Me in the Austin Powers moviesCredit: New Line
Mini Me Verne Troyer performs ‘Just the two of us’ withMike Myers' Dr. Evil in iconic Austin Powers scene
 The actor appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009 when it was on Channel 4
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The actor appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009 when it was on Channel 4Credit: PA:Press Association
 He appeared next to Britney Spears at an awards ceremony
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He appeared next to Britney Spears at an awards ceremonyCredit: Reuters
 He became internationally famous for his reality television appearances
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He became internationally famous for his reality television appearancesCredit: PA:Press Association

"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.

Mini Me Verne Troyer wrestles Mike Myers in classic scene from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
 Verne was well known on the celebrity circuit with friends like the Kardashians
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Verne was well known on the celebrity circuit with friends like the KardashiansCredit: Rex Features
 Verne presented at the 2008 MTV Movie awards with P Diddy and Lindsay Lohan
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Verne presented at the 2008 MTV Movie awards with P Diddy and Lindsay LohanCredit: Rex Features
 He appeared opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Christmas film Jingle All The Way
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He appeared opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Christmas film Jingle All The WayCredit: Rex Features

"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.

Verne Troyer gets told off for ramraiding the diary room door on Celebrity Big Brother

"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."

Verne had a glittering Hollywood career starring in blockbuster movies like Austin Powers, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as well as reality shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Wife Swap.


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