Austin Powers star Verne Troyer has died at the age of 49.

The 2ft 8ins tall actor, known for playing Mini-Me in the spoof spy movies, died on Friday, weeks after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital in in Los Angeles.

His friends had contacted emergency services, concerned he was “drunk, extremely upset and suicidal”, and he was taken by paramedics to the hospital involuntarily.

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His cause of death is not yet clear but a message posted on his social media accounts referenced 'depression and suicide'.

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

“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.”

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

It was believed Verne, who had openly struggled with alcoholism, was kept in hospital for 72 hours so doctors could evaluate and treat him.

LA Fire Department revealed the initial emergency call concerned alcohol poisoning, but didn't give further details.

Under Californian law, a qualified officer, such as a cop, or specially designated county clinician can request involuntary confinement for a patient who is suspected of being a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled.

A representative of the star told the Mirror at the time: "Asking you to keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers.

"He's getting the best care possible and is resting comfortably. Appreciate the support from family, friends, and fans around the world. We will keep you updated."

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(Image: Liverpool Echo)

(Image: Getty Images)

Today, Verne's Instagram confirmed the sad news of the star's death with a lengthy tribute.

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



"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.

The post continued: "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."

(Image: PA Archive)

At 2ft 8in, Verne was one of the shortest men in the world and was born with the genetic disorder known as achondroplasia dwarfism.

Growing up on a farm in Michigan, Verne always dreamed of a career in showbiz.

He got his first break as a stunt double for a 9-month-old baby on a film called Baby's Day Out (1994).

He appeared in Jingle All The Way (1996), Men in Black (1997) and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) with small parts.

His big break came in 1999 when he was cast as Mini-Me in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999.

He played Dr Evil's clone and also appeared in the film's two sequels alongside Mike Myers.

(Image: Reuters) (Image: Rex Features)

The news of his death comes a year after Troyer voluntarily checked into rehab over his battle with alcohol addiction.

He has been open about his booze problems for years and vowed to "continue my fight day by day" as he sought treatment.

"I've been hearing from some concerned fans, so I'd like to address a very personal situation," he said during his rehab stint in April 2017.

"As you know, I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day."

He went on: "I've been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment center later this week to continue to get the help that I need.

"I want to thank everyone that's reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this."

(Image: Getty Images North America)

(Image: Youtube)

Two years earlier, in 2015, Verne was hospitalised when he suffered a seizure during an autograph-signing session at the Heart of Texas Comic Con.

But he recovered and told worried fans later that day that he was planning to return to the conference to resume his meet and greets.

In 2004 he reportedly married model Genevieve Gallen - but the union lasted for only a matter of months.

American glamour model Carmen Electra shared a snap of the two of them on Instagram in which she can be seen holding Troyer in her arms.

The Baywatch actress simply posted "R.I.P Verne Troyer" along with the image.

West Wing star Marlee Matlin took to Twitter in the wake of the news, describing him as having a "lovely smile with a caring and big heart".

Singer Vanilla Ice and American Pie actress Shannon Elizabeth also posted images of themselves with Troyer following the news of his death.

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