Breaking Bad star Mike Batayeh has passed away at the age of 52, his heartbroken family confirmed in a statement to TMZ.
The actor died after suffering a heart attack at his Michigan home even though he had no history of heart problems.
In a heartbreaking statement from the grieving family, they wrote: “He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many.”
Batayeh played the role of Dennis Markowski in the hit AMC drama alongside Bryan Cranston. His character manages the Lavanderia Brilliante industrial laundromat, which covers a secret underground meth lab where Jesse and Walt ‘cooks’.
His character was killed after he showed interest in reaching out to the Drug Enforcement Administration in exchange for immunity.
The actor also appeared in other TV shows such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Everybody Loves Raymond, CSI: Miami, and Boy Meets World.
He played a leading role in movie Detroit Unleaded and landed roles in Don’t Mess With The Zohan, Gas, and American Dreams.
As a comedian, he performed in major clubs in Los Angeles and New York City, and also around the country and internationally.
Batayeh was born on December 27, 1970, in Detroit. He was the seventh child of Victoria Batayeh and Abraham Batayeh, a Ford factory worker.
The couple reportedly moved to the US from Jordan in 1955.
Batayeh went to Wayne State University before dropping out and moving to LA to pursue a career in he arts and start a comedy troupe.
His sister Ida Vergollo said: “He was actually made to be a performer since he was very, very young.”
Batayeh is survived by his sisters Ida, Diane Batayeh-Ricketts, Theresa Aquino, Madeline Sherman, and MaryAnn Joseph. His eldest sister, Jeannie Batayeh, passed away from cancer in 2016.
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