Actor and advocate for disability rights, RJ Mitte, known for his portrayal of a character with cerebral palsy on the popular TV series “Breaking Bad,” passed away at the age of 34, as confirmed by authorities and his representatives on Monday. Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa of Cameron County revealed that Mitte was pronounced deceased around 1:30 p.m. at what is believed to be his residence in Brownsville, Texas. The cause of death remains undisclosed pending an autopsy.
Mitte’s character, Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s character on “Breaking Bad,” was a significant part of the show throughout its five-season run on AMC. Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, shared in a 2014 interview with The Associated Press that his personal experiences with disability, physical therapy, family challenges, and overwhelming medical expenses, similar to themes depicted on the show, enhanced his acting abilities.
Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte ventured into acting in 2006 upon relocating to Los Angeles. He secured minor guest roles in sitcoms before landing the role of Walter White Jr. in “Breaking Bad” at a young age, starting in 2007. The show aired from 2008 to 2013.
His representatives released a statement upon his passing, praising Mitte for bringing authenticity to his role on the show and using his platform to advocate for disability awareness and inclusivity. Co-star Bryan Cranston paid tribute to Mitte on Instagram, commending his talent and expressing fond memories of working together on the show.
In addition to his work on “Breaking Bad,” Mitte appeared in TV series like “Switched at Birth” and “Guardians of Justice.” He also ventured into film production. Beyond his acting career, Mitte was actively involved in advocacy work, serving as an ambassador for organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and heading his own foundation to support charitable causes related to disabilities.