Breaking Bad actor and disability advocate RJ Mitte dies aged 34
RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34 in Brownsville, Texas, his representatives confirmed. Co-stars paid tribute to his acting and his work advocating for disability representation.
theguardian.comRJ Mitte, actor best known for Breaking Bad, dies aged 34
bbc.comBreaking Bad actor RJ Mitte dies aged 34
hollywoodreporter.comHow ‘Breaking Bad’ Actor R.J. Mitte Made an Impact as a Disability Rights Activist
Death confirmed
RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34 in Brownsville, Texas. His representatives announced his death, describing him as an actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate.
A representative confirmed that Mitte died by suicide. Brownsville police said no foul play was suspected, and Cameron County justice of the peace Cyndi Hinojosa told the Associated Press that an autopsy would be performed.
A breakthrough role
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, drew on his own experience to portray the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White. He appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad, which aired on AMC for five seasons from 2008 to 2013.
His character had a more severe form of cerebral palsy and used forearm crutches, which Mitte did not require. His other screen credits included Hannah Montana, Switched at Birth and Talking to Strangers.
Disability advocacy
Offscreen, Mitte pushed for greater inclusion and more varied, complex portrayals of people with disabilities in entertainment. He served as president of the Mitte Foundation and worked with United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
In 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award for his disability activism and portrayal of Walter White Jr. His foundation also supported scholarships, arts programs and community initiatives.
Co-stars pay tribute
Cranston remembered Mitte as “my sweet son on Breaking Bad,” a “fine actor” and a “vocal advocate for performers with disabilities.” He praised Mitte’s determination during the show’s demanding production schedule.
Aaron Paul said he was heartbroken, adding: “RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed.” Dean Norris described Mitte as “a sweetheart of a young man” and expressed sympathy for his family.
