
Mike Myers has paid tribute to his Austin Powers co-star Verne Troyer after he died aged 49 following a long battle with depression, saying he hoped his friend was 'in a better place'.

'Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honor of working with him,' Myers said in a statement. 'It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed.'

Troyer appeared in 1999′s 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' and 2002′s 'Austin Powers in Goldmember,' in which 'Mini-Me' switches sides and becomes a miniature version of Powers. Both hero and villain were played by Myers, who also put Troyer in his 2008 film 'The Love Guru.'

Earlier this month Troyer had been admitted to hospital in Los Angeles after police were told he was feeling suicidal.

Actor Verne Troyer, (left, in Arizona) who played Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, has died aged 49. He was remembered by co-star Mike Myers (right, in 1999's The Spy Who Shagged Me) as a 'consummate professional'

Troyer pictured playing Mini-Me alongside Mike Myers as Dr Evil in a scene from The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999

Troyer is survived by his girlfriend, German-American actress Brittney Powell, 43, who appeared with him on Celebrity Wife Swap in May 2015

A family statement published on Troyer's social media pages called him an 'extremely caring' man who 'wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh'

Troyer's death was announced on his Facebook and Instagram pages on Saturday afternoon alongside a family statement which called him an 'extremely caring' man who 'wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh.'

Troyer was recently baptised while surrounded by family, the message added.

The actor, who was 2 feet, 8 inches tall, told Oprah Winfrey in 2016 that Mini-Me was not originally meant to have a major role in Austin Powers.

'I had no idea how famous this character was going to be,' he said. 'Once we started rehearsal, Mike [Myers] kept adding more parts.'

Mini-Me, who stayed silent as he mimicked what Dr Evil was doing, was killed off in an early version of the Spy Who Shagged Me but this was reshot after the audience at a test screening became upset.

Halso appeared in Men in Black and as the Gringotts goblin Griphook in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.

Troyer was born with achondroplasia dwarfism, which is a genetic disorder. He is pictured with his ex-wife Genevieve Gallen at a movie premiere in Century City in 2002

Troyer is survived by his girlfriend, German-American actress Brittney Powell, 43, who appeared with him on Celebrity Wife Swap in May 2015.

The actor starred in a total of 58 movies and television programmes also appeared in popular reality shows including UK Celebrity Big Brother 2009, Celebrity Juice and The Surreal Life.

He was briefly married to Genevieve Gallen, a yoga instructor, in 2004.

His death comes after earlier this month he was rushed to the emergency room when his friend called 911 saying the actor was 'drunk and suicidal'.

Troyer was taken away for a medical examination on April 3 and medics were checking him for possible alcohol poisoning.

The Los Angeles Police Department said said a man matching Verne's description was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, also known as a '5150'.

At the time, Troyer sent a message to his fans through TMZ and told them: 'With your support, I got this.'

His family also posted on his personal Instagram April 3 with the message: 'Asking you to keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers. He's getting the best care possible and is resting comfortably.'

Troyer was born with achondroplasia dwarfism, which is a genetic disorder prevents cartridge from forming large bones in the body. He used a scooter to help him get around.

He grew up on a farm in Sturgis, Michigan, but said he was never treated differently by his parents than his average-sized sibling and always dreamed about moving into show business.

One of his first major roles was after he moved to Arlington, Texas, where he starred as a stuntman for a 9-month-old baby in a film called Baby's Day Out in 1994.

Since his role in the Powers franchise, he also snagged parts in The Love Guru, Bubble Boy and Postal.

Rapper Ludacris posted a photo of Troyer starring alongside him in his 2010 music video for hit single 'Number One Spot. 'R.I.P. Verne Troyer aka Mini Me. You made it to that #1 Spot Glad we got to make history,' he wrote

Actor Tom Savini said called Verne his 'buddy' and shared a fun photo while wrestler Austin Creed said: 'So sad to hear about the passing of Verne Troyer. I'm glad that I got the chance to meet him tho, he was super nice when we were at E3'

Actress Marlee Matlin and glamor model Carmen Electra also joined in the tributes which were posted on social media on Saturday

Rapper Vanilla Ice called Troyer a 'longtime friend' while actress Shannon Elizabeth wrote, 'Thank you for all you gave the world'

Leading figures from the entertainment world quickly responded to news of Troyer's death by remembering his colorful life in posts on social media.

Rapper Ludacris posted a photo of Troyer starring alongside him in his 2010 music video for hit single 'Number One Spot. 'R.I.P. Verne Troyer aka Mini Me. You made it to that #1 Spot Glad we got to make history,' he wrote.

Marlee Matlin shared a photo with Troyer and said: 'So sad to read of the passing of Verne Troyer. A lovely smile with a caring and big heart, he helped raise money on behalf of @starkeycares for free hearing aids for deaf and hard of hearing people. RIP.'

Shannon Elizabeth shared an old photo with him and added: 'RIP & fly with the angels @VerneTroyer. Thank you for all you gave the world. You are already missed...'

Patrick Shriver wrote: 'R.I.P. @VerneTroyer Brought me too many laughs.'

Vanilla Ice, now a reality TV star, said: '#RIPVerneTroyer sad to loose a #LEGEND and friend— LONG LIVE my little Buddy @VerneTroyer #VerneTroyer.'

Anna Faith shared a photo with Verne while he was at a fan signing. You will truly be missed.. You will be remembered in the hearts of millions. Always. @VerneTroyer,' she said.

Austin Creed said, 'So sad to hear about the passing of Verne Troyer. I'm glad that I got the chance to meet him tho, he was super nice when we were at E3.'

The actor, who was 2 feet, 8 inches tall, appeared as the Gringotts goblin Griphook in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone in 2001

Troyer in the diary room alongside Coolio and La Toya Jackson in UK Celebrity Big Brother on January 20, 2009

Troyer at the Ice Palace in Miami on November 20, 2015 with Miss Teen USA Katherine Haik, Verne Troyer and Miss USA Olivia Jordan

The family posted a message for Troyer's fans on his Instagram account after he was admitted into the hospital on April 3

Myers and Troyer accept the award for 'Best On-Screen Duo' at the 9th Annual MTV Movie Awards, Saturday, June 3, 2000, at Sony Studios in Culver City, California

The full family statement posted on Saturday 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 every day.

'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 people's 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.'

Troyer got his big break in acting when he landed a role with in the movie Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999

Troyer's family have asked wellwishers to make a donation to two of his favorite charities, The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies. He is pictured in Parsippany, New Jersey, on October 28, 2017