Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh’s cause of death revealed
Actor who played Dennis Markowski was found dead on 1 June
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh’s cause of death has been revealed.
The comedian and actor was pronounced dead in Michigan on 1 June. He was 52.
In an email to The New York Post, a representative for the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Batayeh had died by suicide. No further details were reportedly released by the office.
The actor’s sister had previously told TMZ that her brother had died in his sleep after suffering cardiac arrest.
The Independent has contacted Batayeh’s manager for comment.
“He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many,” his family said in a statement issued on 1 June.
Batayeh appeared on three episodes of AMC’s award-winning Breaking Bad between 2011 and 2012 as Dennis Markowski, the manager of the Lavandería Brillante industrial laundromat.
The laundromat was a front for the meth lab where Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, and Aaron Paul’s Jesse Pinkman, produced drugs.
Batayeh, who also appeared on The Bernie Mac Show, Boy Meets World, and CSI: Miami, is survived by five sisters.
His family has asked for donations to go to the Clark Park Coalition fund to support youth projects in Southwest Detroit.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.