John Caldwell-Mike Batayeh, "Breaking Bad" actor and comedian, dies at age 52

2025-05-04 01:39:35source:Zopescategory:Contact

Mike Batayeh,John Caldwell a comedian and actor who appeared on several television shows, including the acclaimed hit "Breaking Bad," has died, his family announced. He was 52.

Batayeh died of a "massive heart attack" at his home June 1, his five sisters said in a statement to CBS News on Friday. His manager said he died in his sleep. However, a police incident report obtained by CBS News indicated his death was a suicide, as first reported by the New York Post.

"He was a kind, sensitive, intelligent, and gifted soul," Batayeh's sisters said. "This is 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."

"Breaking Bad" fans knew Batayeh as Dennis Markowski, the manager of an industrial laundromat that served as the front for a meth lab on the award-winning show starring Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul. Batayeh played the role for three episodes in Season Nos. 4 and 5, according to IMDb.

Mike Batayeh "breaking bad" by mike batayeh on YouTube

Batayeh appeared in several other TV shows, including "CSI: Miami," "JAG" and "Everybody Loves Raymond." He also appeared in the Adam Sandler movie "You Don't Mess with the Zohan."

As a comedian, Batayeh performed in the U.S. as well as the Middle East, and he was in a comedy special for Showtime Arabia, according to his sisters' statement. He also performed at a comedy festival in Jordan's capital of Amman at the invitation of the Jordanian royal family, according to the statement.

He was preceded in death by his sister Jeannie, and his parents.

–Cara Tabachnick contributed reporting.

    In:
  • Death
  • Obituary
Alex Sundby

Alex Sundby is a senior editor for CBSNews.com

Twitter

More:Contact

Recommend

Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams

Early Thursday morning, "Forbes" released their annual list of the 50 most valuable sports franchise

Justin Herbert's record-setting new contract is a 'dream come true' for Chargers QB

COSTA MESA, Calif. – At the conclusion of the Los Angeles Chargers’ first training camp practice, Ju

Meet the contenders: American athletes to watch ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics are exactly one year away, with the world's best athletes set to converge i