Austin Powers ‘Mini-Me’ actor Verne Troyer dies, aged 49

US actor Verne Troyer, best known for playing the character Mini-Me in the Austin Powers spy comedy films, has died at the age of 49, according to a statement on his official Facebook page. “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Over the years he's struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much,” the post read. The actor also played a goblin named Griphook in the first Harry Potter film, and appeared on a number of reality TV shows. No cause of Troyer’s death was immediately given.