Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Watch Verne Troyer as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films

Verne Troyer, who is best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, has died at the age of 49.

Troyer, who was 2ft 8in (81cm) tall, also played Griphook in the first Harry Potter film.

"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," a post on his official Facebook page read.

"Over the years he's struggled and won... but unfortunately this time was too much," it added.

Troyer appeared on a number of reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother in the UK in 2009.

He has also made regular appearances on Celebrity Juice and starred in Keith Lemon's feature length film, Keith Lemon: The Film.

Another performer of restricted growth, British actor Warwick Davis, also paid tribute to his friend.

One of Troyer's first roles was as a stunt double for a nine-month-old baby in the 1994 film Baby's Day Out.

He appeared in two Austin Powers films as Mini-Me, the clone and sidekick of Dr Evil, played by Mike Myers.

"Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honour of working with him," Myers said in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter.

"It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed."

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Troyer starred alongside Myers in the last two Austin Power films

Earlier this month, Troyer was admitted to hospital in Los Angeles but his team did not say what he was suffering from.

He was treated for alcohol addiction last year and released a statement addressing his problems.

"While it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day," he said.

In 2012, Troyer made a donation to a disabled children's charity in Northern Ireland after it was targeted by thieves.

"I heard what happened and I just wanted to help you and the kids," he wrote in a letter to the charity,

"Please tell them hello from me. Also, remember you can do anything you set your mind to, always be optimistic."