Actor and comedian Mike Batayeh, best known for his role as the manager of Gus’s renowned laundry in the hit TV show Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 52.
According to reports from Variety, Batayeh died of a heart attack while sleeping in his Michigan home on June 1. His family expressed their deep sadness and announced his passing, stating that he will be greatly missed for his ability to bring laughter and joy to many.
A memorial ceremony has been scheduled for June 16 at 2 p.m. and will take place at the Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home in Plymouth, Michigan, according to Variety.
Batayeh made his mark on Breaking Bad, appearing in three episodes as Dennis Markowski, the manager of the Lavanderia Brillante laundromat, which served as a front for a meth lab operated by the show’s main characters, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
Throughout his acting career, he also appeared in popular shows such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Sleeper Cell, The Bernie Mac Show, Boy Meets World, and Everybody Loves Raymond.
Additionally, he co-starred in films like Paul Weitz’s American Dreamz, Don’t Mess with the Zohan, and Gas. In 2012, Batayeh portrayed the character of Mike in the film Detroit Unleaded.
Aside from his acting work, Batayeh was an accomplished comedian who performed and headlined at renowned comedy clubs such as Gotham in New York and Laugh Factory, Comedy Store, the Improv, and the Icehouse in Los Angeles. Notably, he was one of the first American comedians to entertain Middle Eastern audiences.
He performed in various countries, including Dubai, where he filmed a special for Showtime Arabia, as well as Egypt, Lebanon, Nazareth, and Jordan. Batayeh was invited by the Jordanian royal family to appear at the Amman International Comedy Festival for two consecutive years.
The entertainment industry has lost a talented and beloved individual with the passing of Mike Batayeh. His contributions to both television and comedy will be remembered by those who appreciated his unique talent for bringing laughter to audiences.
