American actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.
Mitte died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, according to a statement released through his talent management agency. His death was later reported as suicide, with his representative confirming the cause to media outlets.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representatives said in a statement.
Mitte became widely recognised for portraying Walter “Flynn” White Jr, the son of Bryan Cranston’s character, Walter White, in the AMC crime drama Breaking Bad.
The series ran from 2008 to 2013 and earned 16 Emmy Awards.
Born with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought elements of his own experience to the character, who also has the condition.
His performance helped bring greater visibility to disability representation on television.
The role gained popularity as the series followed Walter Jr’s changing relationship with his father and the consequences of discovering his family’s secrets.
Fans also affectionately dubbed the character the “breakfast king” for his recurring appearances in family breakfast scenes.
Beyond acting, Mitte became a prominent advocate for people with disabilities.
He served as a spokesperson for performers with disabilities through the Screen Actors Guild and as a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was adopted as an infant and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three.
He wore leg braces and used crutches during much of his childhood but eventually became able to walk without them through exercise and physical activity.
Following Breaking Bad, Mitte appeared in several film and television projects, including The Recall, The Oak Room and Triumph, in which he played a high school wrestler with cerebral palsy.
At the time of his death, he was promoting his upcoming film Talking to Strangers and had recently appeared on podcasts to discuss the project.
His work as an actor and advocate helped bring disability inclusion into wider conversations across the entertainment industry.
