Verne Troyer, who will be best remembered for playing Mike Meyrs sidekick in the Austin Power movies, reportedly took his own life at the weekend.
While the cause of death has not been officially been made public, a statement on his Facebook page alluded to suicide.
"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," a post on his official Facebook page read. "Over the years he's struggled and won... but unfortunately this time was too much."
The actor 2ft 8in (81cm) had a well-documented battle with mental health and prior to his death he was placed on involuntary "psychiatric hold".
Tributes have been in pouring in on Twiter; here's some of the highlights:

So sad to hear that my friend @VerneTroyer has passed away. We shared a mutual respect for each other’s work, and I always admired his good humour and lovely nature in the face of adversity. Now, for the first time, he’ll be looking down on us all, and laughing! #RIPVerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/vLGwpWTYpE

— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) April 22, 2018

The statement added: "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 every day.
“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.”

So sad to read of the passing of Verne Troyer. 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 pic.twitter.com/pgA91tWPo6

— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 21, 2018

Gonna miss #VerneTroyer Thanks for the laughs. Rest in peace bud. pic.twitter.com/XlxkpL7jlX

— The Miz (@mikethemiz) April 22, 2018

RIP brother. @VerneTroyer pic.twitter.com/LbDolmq3XC

— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) April 21, 2018

Verne Troyer, Mini-Me in ‘Austin Powers,’ Dies at 49 - Variety.

A delight to work with. He was awesome as Napoleon on Jack of all Trades. We did a sword fight. Imagine that. He was quick with a smile and a shrug. Safe travels, fellow Michigander. https://t.co/QMKtzJw4fk

— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) April 22, 2018

An awesome day in Hollywoodland: TPB Podcast with Verne Troyer is free to watch at https://t.co/7aBXweDnIz.

We're gonna miss you, bud! pic.twitter.com/AzMxeLBJuk

— SWEARNET (@SWEARNET) April 22, 2018

Just heard @VerneTroyer passed away. :( Hung out with him a few times over the years. He was a super cool dude (and loved video games). pic.twitter.com/IPqRBdMa3O

— TommyTallarico (@TommyTallarico) April 22, 2018

FAMILY, I JUST HEARD THE TERRIBLE NEWS THAT @VerneTroyer HAS PASSED AWAY! WHAT A TERRIBLE SHAME! HE WAS THE SWEETEST GUY, WHENEVER HE WASNT BEING HARRASSED OR ASKED 2 B PICKED UP BY EVERY1! BUT HE HAD A HEART THE SIZE OF HIS WHOLE BODY! HE WAS THE FINEST LITTLE MAN COMEDIAN EVER!

— Corey Feldman (@Corey_Feldman) April 22, 2018

#RestInPeace #VerneTroyer - truly one of the nicest guys. This pic was taken at the premiere of my movie #SpyKids4. That day was surreal, but meeting Mini Me from Austin Powers took it to another level! pic.twitter.com/ofvSutCcIL

— Mason Cook (@masoncook) April 22, 2018