Verne Troyer dead: Actor know for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films dies aged 49

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

The news was confirmed in a lengthy post on the Hollywood star's official Facebook page on Saturday.

The diminutive US actor had openly struggled with alcoholism and was admitted to hospital in Los Angeles earlier this month. His cause of death was not immidiately clear.

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

"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."

The statement added: "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.

"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 appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009, was recently baptised while surrounded by family, the message added.

He was admitted to hospital on April 4 where he was reportedly placed on "involuntary psychiatric hold".

At the time a statement on his social media accounts assured fans he was receiving the “best care possible”.

The actor's other film credits include Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Men in Black.