Austin Powers star Verne Troyer dies at 49

Best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Power movies, actor Verne Troyer died at 49 years of age.

Troyer was beginning to build a following and reinvent himself on YouTube.

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On Friday, a statement was released asking fans and friends to "keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers. He's getting the best care possible and is resting comfortably."

On his Instagram profile, a statement reads:

"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today.

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 Apr 21, 2018 at 12:58pm PDT

"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 every day."

The post continues to talk about how he inspired those around him.

Which side are you on? In-N-Out or Shake Shack? #shakeshack #innout #tastetest

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on Mar 21, 2018 at 10:07am PDT

Troyer had been battling depression and was admitted to the hospital in April 2018.

The statement goes on to discuss the seriousness of depression and suicide, stressing importance on the treatment of one another.

"Be kind to one another. And always know, it's never too late to reach out to someone for help."

Business baby! #AlwaysWorking #Hustle #Grind

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on Nov 7, 2017 at 1:26pm PST

Troyer was well-known around the world for his work in the Austin Powers series, commercial shoots, comic-con appearances, his YouTube channel and his brief appearance as Griphook the goblin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Donations are being made to his favourite charities, The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies.

Frisky penguins, sea otters with voracious appetites, and nemo! Check out my latest YouTube video from my visit to @aquariumpacific #seaotterawarenessweek

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on Sep 27, 2017 at 9:17am PDT