Austin Powers star Verne Troyer has died aged 49, the actor was taken to hospital last week.
Verne Troyer has died on Saturday afternoon, according to TMZ.
Troyer was reportedly treated for alcohol poisoning earlier this month, according to the US site.
The actor was kept ‘under observation’ amid concerns he was “extremely upset, drunk and suicidal”, one of his friends told emergency services.
Troyer’s publicist revealed in a statement: “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.”
They continued: “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 peoples hearts than he will ever know.”
His publicist revealed that Verne was fighting his own battles but it all became ‘too much’.
The statement read: “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.”
Last year Troyer voluntarily entered rehab over his battle with alcohol addiction, in April 2017 he said: “I’ve been hearing from some concerned fans, so I’d like to address a very personal situation,
“As you know, I’ve battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it’s not always been an easy fight, I’m willing to continue my fight day by day.
“I’ve been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment center later this week to continue to get the help that I need.
“I want to thank everyone that’s reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this.”
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Or call Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk).
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