Actor Mike Batayeh, known for his role in Breaking Bad and Sleeper Cell, has died age 52 on Thursday, June 1.

Batayeh had passed away from a heart attack while asleep in his home in Michigan, United States.

His death came as a shock as he did not have a history of heart issues, his sister had told to TMZ.

Of Arab heritage, Batayeh grew up in a diverse neighbourhood in Detroit but later moved to Los Angeles in his 20s to pursue his acting career.

In the award-winning AMC show Breaking Bad, he played as the manager at a laundromat fronting a meth lab, across three episodes between 2011 and 2012.

Batayeh also made appearances on other TV shows such as Boy Meets World (1998), CSI: Miami (2006) and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2013).

Moving across to movies, he clinched roles in Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008) and Detroit Unleaded (2012), where he took the main lead.

He also landed a voice acting stint in the film X-men: Days of Future Past (2014).

Outside the Hollywood world and away from screens, Batayeh also had a successful career in comedy.

He has entertained audiences from across the globe and was one of the first American comedians to perform in the Middle East.

A fan-favourite, he brought laughter and cheer to the Amman International Comedy Festival for two years in a row – specially invited by the royal family of Jordan.

"He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many," says his sister in an Instagram post.

Heartfelt messages continued to pour in from family, friends and colleagues on the social media app. 

Batayeh is survived by his five sisters along with nieces and nephews.

His family has announced his funeral service will take place at a local funeral home on Friday, June 18.

The service will also continue at a church the following day, Saturday June 17.