Verne Troyer, best known as Mini-Me in "Austin Powers," has died

Verne Troyer, best known for playing the character of "Mini-Me" in the "Austin Powers" movie series, has died, according to a statement.

He was 49.

"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today," a post stated on his official Instagram account.

The cause and location of his death were not specified.

However, the statement included this passage: "Depression and suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another."

"During this recent time of adversity, he was baptized while surrounded by his family," the statement added.

Troyer became a celebrity and pop-culture phenomenon after starring alongside Mike Myers as "Mini-Me," the clone and sidekick of villain Dr. Evil, in two of the three "Austin Powers" films. He appeared in 1999s "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and 2002s "Austin Powers in Goldmember."

He also had roles in 2001s "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and another Mike Myers film, 2008s "The Love Guru."

Celebrities and notable figures who have recently passed away

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In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.

AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File

The Associated Press contributed to this report.