Actor and advocate for disability rights, RJ Mitte, known for his portrayal of a character with cerebral palsy on the TV series “Breaking Bad,” passed away at the age of 34 on Monday, as confirmed by authorities and his representatives. Mitte was pronounced dead by Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa around 1:30 p.m. at his presumed residence in Brownsville, Texas. The cause of death remains undisclosed, pending an autopsy.
Famous for his role as Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s character on the acclaimed AMC show, Mitte’s performance spanned across all five seasons, with the series recently being recognized as the top show of the 21st century in a poll by The New York Times. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, Mitte shared in a 2014 interview that his personal experiences with disability, physical therapy, family dynamics, and medical expenses, mirrored themes explored in the show, contributing to his on-screen authenticity.
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte ventured into acting in Los Angeles in 2006, securing minor roles in sitcoms before landing his breakthrough role on “Breaking Bad” in 2007, when he was in his mid-teens. The show aired from 2008 to 2013, solidifying Mitte’s reputation for bringing awareness to disability issues and advocating for inclusivity.
His representatives issued a statement posthumously, praising Mitte for his commitment to raising consciousness about disabilities and fostering representation in the entertainment industry. Co-star Bryan Cranston paid tribute to Mitte on Instagram, commending his talent and spirit, reminiscing about their time together on and off the set of “Breaking Bad.”
Apart from his work on “Breaking Bad,” Mitte appeared in TV series like “Switched at Birth” on ABC Family and the superhero satire “Guardians of Justice.” He also ventured into film production and dedicated his efforts to various advocacy roles, notably as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, in addition to leading his own foundation supporting charitable causes related to disabilities.
