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Breaking Bad star Mike Batayeh dies aged 52 after suffering heart attack in his sleep
Featured Image Credit: Alamy Stock Photo/ ZUMA Press Inc./ AMC

Breaking Bad star Mike Batayeh dies aged 52 after suffering heart attack in his sleep

Tributes are flooding in on social media following the news of Breaking Bad star Mike Batayeh

Tributes are flooding in on social media following the news of Breaking Bad star Mike Batayeh's death.

The 52-year-old actor and comedian's passing was announced by his family.

In hit series Breaking Bad, Batayeh played the role of Dennis Markowski - manager of industrial laundromat Lavandería Brillante, the front for Gustavo 'Gus' Fring's (Giancarlo Esposito) meth lab, where Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) worked.

Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh has passed away at the age of 52.
AMC

Batayeh's sister told TMZ the 52-year-old passed away as a result of a heart attack, despite having no history of heart issues.

The actor - who died on 1 June - is reported as having died in his sleep at his home in Michigan.

A statement from Bateyeh's family reads, as per TMZ: "He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many."

Mike Batayeh passed away on 1 June.
Instagram / @mike_batayeh

Fans of the comedian have also flooded to social media to commemorate him.

One Instagram user commented on his last post: "Never got a chance to work with u Western cowboy but we reppin our city hard as ever... u ain’t never gone when u left ur spirit on everyone u wit the ancestors now fighting for us."

"Will miss you so much! Heartbroken I'm glad that we had the chance to meet and wish I knew you more. Praying for your family," another wrote.

A third said: "Gone too soon. Rest in peace Mike."

And a final resolved: "You will be missed my friend."

Fans have flocked to social media to commemorate the actor.
Instagram / @mike_batayeh

As well as starring in three episodes of Breaking Bad from 2011 to 2012, Batayeh also featured on CSI: Miami as well as It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Fellow actors and colleagues also took to social media to commemorate Batayeh.

Director and friend Rola Nashef - who worked alongside Batayeh on 2012 rom-com Detroit Unleaded - posted a tribute to the late actor on Facebook.

Nashef wrote: "A devastating loss of a huge life - Mike Batayah, you were everybody’s friend. And I mean everybody. There isn’t a person that I introduced you to or a waitress that took our order whom you didn’t make laugh, think, inspire and root for. 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 text or messaged with him, but talked with him. Because you are an old school friend, who was loyal, generous, wise and invested in the people that you loved.

"Amin Matalqa referred to you as the 'Robin Williams' of Arab-America - so spot on. Your sense of humor and your talent for stage, screenwriting, television and film was genius, outrageous and fearless. I pray so much for your sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and our entire community who will feel your loss forever. Rest in peace dear Mike, you’re my friend always."

Batayeh's manager told CNN a memorial service is set to be held next week in Plymouth, Michigan.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV, Social Media