Actor Mike Batayeh is best known for his role as Dennis Markowski on the show “Breaking Bad.” Other credits include “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Night Stalker” and “Detroit Unleashed.”
In a statement, Batayeh’s family has announced the sad news that the actor has died at the age of 52. Cause of death was due to a “massive heart attack.” He died while he was sleeping on June 1, 2023.
Batayeh’s sisters described their brother as “a kind, sensitive, intelligent, and gifted soul.” They added that his death was “such a devastating loss of a huge life and Mike will be missed by us and so many people in all parts of the world.”
In addition to his acting career, Batayeh was also a comedian. He performed in the Middle East and the U.S.
Bataveh grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and his Middle Eastern heritage was one topic he used for his stand-up comedy.
In his 20s, Bataveh moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. He was also a screenwriter and a hand drum musician.
Bataveh’s family said that “he was very well known in the Arab-American community.” His family added, “Mike was part of the first wave of Western comics to perform for local audiences in the Middle East in such places as Dubai, where he filmed a comedy special for Showtime Arabia.” Bataveh also performed in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon and was even invited by the Jordianan royal family to perform at a comedy festival.
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His family said, “Mike never lost touch with his roots in Detroit, and he gave back to the community in countless ways.
Amer Zahr, a friend of Bataveh’s who also worked as an attorney and comedian described Bataveh as “very energetic and bubbly” and also “passionate.” He added, “He loved his art form very much. And he loved his community very much. So he did a lot of shows for the Arab American community, and Arab communities around the world. He was … very fiery. And he brought that on stage as well.”
Batayeh’s parents and his sister Jeannie died previously. He is survived by five sisters as well as nieces and nephews who considered him their “Funcle.”
Rest in peace.
