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Actor RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' Star, Dies at 34
Confirmed
In Short: Actor RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the hit AMC series 'Breaking Bad,' has died at the age of 34 in Texas.
Representatives for RJ Mitte confirmed his death on Monday, stating he died in Brownsville, Texas. Mitte, who had cerebral palsy, was best known for his role in the Emmy-winning drama 'Breaking Bad,' where he played Walter White's son.
Mitte's character, Walter Jr., also had cerebral palsy, and Mitte used his platform to advocate for disability rights and inclusion.
The actor founded The Mitte Foundation, which offered grants and scholarships to enrich people's lives and bring hope to those in need.
Mitte appeared in all five seasons of 'Breaking Bad,' totaling 56 episodes, and earned a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014 for his work on the series.
His death has been mourned by his co-stars and the entertainment industry, with Marlee Matlin writing, 'My best is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte.'
The cause of death has not been publicly confirmed by his representatives, though county officials and TMZ reported it may have been suicide.
Mitte was born in 1992 and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, but pursued a career in acting, playing small parts on shows like 'Everybody Hates Chris' and 'Hannah Montana' before landing his most significant role on 'Breaking Bad.'
His work on 'Breaking Bad' helped challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities, earning him recognition and respect in the industry.
Mitte's co-stars are paying tribute to him, highlighting his contributions to disability awareness and his impact on the show.
The Brownsville Police Department stated, 'The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation.'
What this adds
The news of Mitte's death has been widely reported, with multiple outlets confirming his passing and the circumstances surrounding it.
Mitte's advocacy work and his role in 'Breaking Bad' have been highlighted as significant contributions to the entertainment industry and disability rights.
Background
Actor RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in the hit AMC series 'Breaking Bad,' has died at the age of 34 in Texas.
What's confirmed
- “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” they told Deadline.
- Mitte was best known for playing Walt Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White and Anna Gunn’s Skyler White, in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad across its five seasons, which ran for a total of 62 episodes from 2008 to 2013.
- The statement noted that Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, which supports philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.
- Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy like his Breaking Bad character, appeared on all five seasons of the hit AMC series as the son of Walter White ( Bryan Cranston ) and Skyler White (Anna Gunn).
- "Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion," his representative Sean Reilly said in a statement to the BBC.
- According to county officials, RJ Mitte died Monday, October 12, in Texas, with TMZ reporting they were told the cause of death was suicide and that the investigation is ongoing.
- An official told TMZ that he passed away on Monday (October 12) in Texas.
- “I didn’t want to look like just another faker because I really have it,” he said.
What's still developing
- Some of Mitte’s scenes are remembered as the show’s most powerful — especially in the final season, when Walter faced serious consequences for his actions.
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- This was the power of what is still rare now and was rarer in 2008, when “Breaking Bad” began: Hiring an actor with a disability to portray that disability. (The 2016-2019 ABC sitcom “Speechless,” starring Micah Fowler, an actor with cerebral palsy, in a story about the complications a tough, loving middle-class family face, strikes me as but one example of a show made possible by the positive reception to Mitte’s performance.) Mitte’s work, off-camera, continued to shine a light on what might be possible if Hollywood looked as open as real communities do; his work on-camera had already made the point, over five seasons.
- Mitte appeared on "The Joe Vulpis Podcast" last week and spoke about how "Breaking Bad" changed his life and on his close relationship with the cast years after the show's finale, TMZ reported.
- "Whenever awards season rolls around, we always hope to see a diverse group of projects that reflect all of us, in body and mind," he told the BBC in 2021.
- "Fast forward to auditioning for Breaking Bad, which is still, in my opinion, an anti-meth thing because it doesn't end well for anyone," he said on the Joe Vulpis Podcast earlier this month.
- "Watching the awareness grow around disability representation has been great to see, but breakthroughs sometimes come in pieces and moments instead of larger change," he said.
- The Associated Press reported that Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa declared Mitte dead at about 1:30 p.m. local time at what she believed was his home.
- If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.