RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad Actor and Disability Rights Advocate, Dies Aged 34

RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, has reportedly died aged 34, his representatives confirmed on Monday. No cause of death was given.

Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas. The Brownsville Police Department said foul play was not suspected and that the investigation was ongoing. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told the Associated Press that an autopsy would be performed.

In a statement, Mitte’s representatives expressed “profound sadness” over the death of the actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate, highlighting his work to promote disability awareness and inclusion.

Bryan Cranston Remembers His ‘Sweet Son’

Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s father Walter White in Breaking Bad, paid an emotional tribute to his co-star on Instagram.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight,” Cranston wrote. “RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad, has reportedly died.”

Cranston recalled meeting Mitte when he was just 14, before the young actor took on the role of Walter White Jr. He praised Mitte’s enthusiasm, determination and commitment throughout the show’s demanding filming schedule.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mitte never allowed the condition to become an excuse for holding himself back, Cranston said. He added that Mitte grew into a fine actor and used his experience in the entertainment industry to advocate for performers with disabilities.

“He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid,” Cranston reportedly wrote, describing the loss of Mitte’s promise and potential as heartbreaking.

Cranston said he had thoroughly enjoyed working with Mitte during the series and spending time with him after the show ended.

Dean Norris, who played Walter White Jr’s uncle Hank Schrader, remembered Mitte as a sweetheart and said he had looked out for him when he was a young actor on set.

Breakthrough Role in Breaking Bad

Mitte began playing Walter White Jr at the age of 15, appearing in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad. The AMC series follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher played by Cranston, who turns to manufacturing and selling drugs.

In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, Mitte discussed his experience as a disabled actor playing disabled characters.

Beyond Breaking Bad, Mitte appeared in several television series, including Switched at Birth and The Guardians of Justice.

He was also promoting his latest film, Talking to Strangers, described as a romantic tragedy, just days before his death. Earlier this month, he appeared on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, where he spoke about his experience working on Breaking Bad.

Mitte reportedly said playing Walter White Jr had felt real to him and that he had settled naturally into the character.

Disability Advocacy Beyond the Screen

Mitte used his public profile to push for greater representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry. Drawing on his own experience with cerebral palsy, he advocated for more authentic portrayals and greater inclusion.

He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and was president of the Mitte Foundation, which focused on supporting the disabled community as per reports.

His representatives said his work extended beyond acting, with his personal experience helping him build a platform for disability awareness and inclusion.

Early Life and Family

Born in 1992, Mitte was raised in Mississippi by adoptive parents. He discovered he had been adopted when he was eight, he told The Guardian in a 2016 interview.

He recalled learning the news from his step-brother, who had overheard a conversation between Mitte’s mother and stepfather.

His death has prompted tributes from his former co-stars, who remembered him not only for his performance in one of television’s most acclaimed dramas but also for his determination and advocacy for people with disabilities.