Mini-me actor, Verne Troyer, has died at 49

While no cause of death has been given, a statement on the actor’s social media accounts said he had gone through a recent time of adversity and mentioned suicide and depression as serious issues.

“Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much. 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.”

Troyer, who lived in Los Angeles, was taken to the hospital early this month for unspecified treatment even though speculations have it to be related to alcohol poisoning as the actor spoke about his alcohol addiction during another hospital admission a year ago.

Troyer was born in 1969 in Sturgis, Michigan and he was one of the world’s shortest men at just 2ft.8in (81cm) due to achondroplasia dwarfism.

Tributes have poured in for the small man with an out-sized personality.

A twitter user @9GAG sent his tribute some hours ago, writing:
“My childhood would haven been so different without Mini-Me. Thank you for the laughs. R.I.P. Verne Troyer.”

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

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin said she was “so sad” over the news of Troyer’s death.

“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,” added Matlin, who is deaf.

Ludacris posted on Instagram a photograph of himself with Troyer strapped to him in a baby carrier, taken from the rapper’s “Number One Spot” music video. The pair is wearing the same grey costume.

“R.I.P. Verne Troyer aka Mini-Me. You made it to that #1 Spot Glad we got to make history,” Ludacris wrote.

In addition to his breakout role as the Mini-Me, Troyer was also known for playing Griphook in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone.

“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,” added the post on Troyer’s social media accounts.

“He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination and attitude.”