Batayeh, who was best known for playing Dennis Markowski, Gustavo’s laundromat manager in “Breaking Bad,” is remembered as “everyone’s friend.”
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breaking Bad Actor Mike Batayeh has died aged 52.
Batayeh – who was best known for his role as Dennis Markowski, the man in charge of Gustavo’s laundromat in Breaking Bad – died June 1, according to his obituary.
His rep tells PEOPLE he died in his sleep at his Michigan home after suffering a heart attack. Batayeh’s sister, Diane, also confirmed to TMZ that the actor had no history of heart problems and that his death was very sudden.
“He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many people,” Batayeh’s family said in a statement to the outlet.
His family also remembered him as someone who was “always passionate about helping young people in the community where he lived and grew up facing similar challenges”, according to his obituary.
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Batayeh appeared in three episodes of breaking Bad in 2011.
He also has film and television credits, including a voice acting role in X-Men: Days of Future Pastand appearances in America stuffing, battle stream, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The Bernie Mac Show, Boy Meets World, CSI: Miami And Philadelphia is always sunny.
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Prior to his death, Batayeh was pursuing a career in comedy. Two weeks ago, he shared a clip on Instagram of a recent stand-up set he performed.
The actor is survived by his siblings, Ida, Diane, MaryAnn, Madeline and Theresa, as well as his many nieces and nephews, according to his obituary. Batayeh’s legacy will also live on in his many friendships, as evidenced by some of the social media tributes that poured in after his death.
A loved one remembered him as “an old school friend, loyal, generous, wise and invested in the people you loved”.
“A devastating loss of a huge life – Mike Batayeh, you were everyone’s friend,” director and friend Rola Nashef wrote on Facebook. “And I mean everyone. There wasn’t a person I introduced you to or a waitress who took our order that you didn’t make us laugh, think, inspire and encourage. You all wanted us see you win… Your sense of humor and talent for stage, screenwriting, TV and film was brilliant, outrageous and fearless.”
Another friend, Yorg Kerasiotis, added of Batayeh, “You were the superstar we always looked up to and one of the funniest men I’ve ever known.”
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Because Batayeh had a passion for helping young people in her community, her family said all donations made in her honor will go towards supporting and providing recreation for young people in Southwest Detroit.
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