Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh’s cause of death has been revealed a fortnight after he died suddenly at his home at the age of 52.
The actor, who played Dennis Markowski – Gustavo Fring’s laundromat manager – in three episodes of the series from 2011 to 2012, died of “asphyxiation by hanging”.
This comes just days after Batayeh’s family revealed to TMZ that he had suffered a heart attack in his sleep at his Michigan home on June 1.
The actor’s sister, Diane, also said her brother had no heart disease.
Batayeh’s cause of death has now been confirmed by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to an email received by the New York Post.
Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh’s cause of death has been revealed a fortnight after he died suddenly at his home aged 52 (pictured as laundry manager Dennis Markowski on the show)
Batayeh’s family initially revealed to TMZ that he suffered a heart attack in his sleep at his Michigan home. Pictured: Batayeh (second from left in the back surrounded by his family)
A family statement on her passing on Instagram, which included a photo of Batayeh and her dog, read on June 4: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that my sisters and I announce the passing of our dear brother Mike Batayeh on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
“He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many people. Funeral arrangements will be released at a later date.
Batayeh, a Detroit native who resided in Los Angeles, is survived by her five sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Lavandería Brillante industrial laundry run by Batayeh’s character served as a front for the meth lab used by Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).
Batayeh, recognizable for his role in Breaking Bad, has also appeared on several popular shows, including Everybody Loves Raymond, The Shield and Sleeper Cell.
In addition to television, Batayeh has also starred in a variety of films, including American Dreams, Gas, American East, Don’t Mess With The Zohan, and Detroit Unleaded.
Beyond film and TV, he was a successful comedian who was part of the first wave of Western comics to perform for local audiences in the Middle East in places like Dubai, where he filmed comedy special for Showtime.
Batayeh (pictured in 2012) has acted in television, film, comedy and had a voice acting role in X-Men: Days of Future Past
The actor (pictured on stage in 2014) was part of the first wave of Western comics to perform for local audiences in the Middle East in places like Dubai, where he filmed a comedy special for Showtime.
The Lavandería Brillante industrial laundromat run by Batayeh’s character served as a front for the meth lab used by Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul)
He also had a voice acting role in the hit 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Batayeh last appeared on screen in the 2018 TV movie Prank of America where he played the role of Nacho.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from the theater world, including from Hollywood director Rola Nashef who wrote on Facebook: “A devastating loss of a huge life – Mike Batayah, you were the friend of everyone.” And I mean everyone.
‘There isn’t a person I’ve introduced you to or a waitress who took our order that you haven’t made laugh, think, inspire and encourage.
“You wanted to see us all win. I still can’t believe this news. People keep saying “But I just talked to him last week” – not texting or messaging him, just talking to him. Because you’re an old school friend, loyal, generous, wise, and invested in the people you loved.
She continued: “Amin Matalqa referred to you as the ‘Robin Williams’ of Arab America – then spot on. Your sense of humor and talent for stage, screenwriting, TV and film were brilliant, outrageous and fearless.
“I pray very much for your sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and our entire community who will feel your loss forever. Rest in peace dear Mike, you are still my friend.
Meanwhile, comic Mina Liccione said, “Oh sweetheart…I’m deeply sorry for your loss.” Rest in peace and laughter, Mike. We will miss you very much!’.
