LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Mike Batayeh, who was best-known for playing the manager of Gus' infamous laundry in 'Breaking Bad', died of asphyxiation due to hanging. A representative for the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the actor's official reason for death. The actor was found in a lifeless state at his Michigan home on June 1.
Batayeh's family had previously stated that he died in his sleep due to a heart attack and that it happened all of a sudden, with his close ones adding that he had no prior history of heart disease. “He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many,” his family previously stated to TMZ. His manager said that a celebration of life service is set for June 16 in Plymouth, Michigan.
Mike Batayeh played Markowski in Breaking Bad
Batayeh played Markowski, the manager of Lavandería Brillante industrial laundromat, which was run by drug kingpin Gus Fring in three episodes of 'Breaking Bad', from 2011 to 2012. He also appeared in Season 4 where he played a pivotal role in trying to fend off Steven Gomez and another DEA agent when they came to search the lab. However, he did agree later to let them in. It was revealed at the beginning of Season 5 that Markowski was arrested.
Batayeh was also a comedian and voice actor who made appearances in several shows including 'Everybody Loves Raymond', 'The Bernie Mac Show', 'The Shield', 'Boy Meets World' and 'CSI: Miami'. He also starred in various movies including 2006’s 'American Dreamz', (2006), 2011’s 'This Narrow Place' (2011) and the 2012 drama 'Detroit Unleaded'. Batayeh's last on-screen role was Nacho in 'Prank of America', a TV movie released in 2018.
Mike Batayeh is survived by his five sisters
Batayeh is survived by his five sisters along with nieces and nephews. His nephews called him their “Funcle,” as per an obituary provided by the family that described him as a “kind, sensitive, intelligent and gifted soul.” “Mike was always passionate about helping youth in the community where he lived and grew up facing similar challenges,” read another online obituary.
