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Actor Verne Troyer, best known as Mini Me, dead at 49
Actor Verne Troyer attends Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XXI in Phoenix on March 28, 2015.
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Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
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Verne Troyer attends the photocall for "Peter Pan," New Wimbledon Theatre's 2015 pantomime on November 30, 2015 in London, England.
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Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
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Alosha O'Brien (left) and actor Verne Troyer attend the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Finish Line and Victory Celebration Party on June 1, 2013 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
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Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Best Buddies
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Verne Troyer attends B. Riley & Co. and Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation's 7th Annual "Big Fighters, Big Cause" Charity Boxing Night at Dolby Theatre on May 25, 2016 in Hollywood, California.
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Mark Davis/Getty Images for Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation
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Singer Haley Reinhart (left) and actor Verne Troyer attend Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIX on March 23, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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John Sciulli/Getty Images for Fight Night
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Verne Troyer, the diminutive actor best known for playing Mini Me in two Austin Powers movies, has died at age 49. A cause of death has not been announced. Troyer was hospitalized earlier in April after friends called authorities about his behavior, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Troyer re-teamed with Myers for the 2008 film "The Love Guru." He also appeared on TV shows "Boston Public," "Scrubs," "MADtv," "Two and a Half Men" and "Trailer Park Boys."
Verne Troyer attends the photocall for "Peter Pan," New Wimbledon Theatre's 2015 pantomime on November 30, 2015 in London, England.
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Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
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His death was announced in a post on his official Facebook page that reads, in part:
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... 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.
Alosha O'Brien (left) and actor Verne Troyer attend the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Finish Line and Victory Celebration Party on June 1, 2013 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
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Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Best Buddies
)
Fans and colleagues paid tribute to Troyer on social media.
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Troyer's Austin Powers co-star, Mike Myers, issued the following statement to US Weekly:
"Verne was the consummate professional and a beacon of positivity for those of us who had the honor of working with him. It is a sad day, but I hope he is in a better place. He will be greatly missed."
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