American actor RJ Mitte, widely recognised for portraying Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34, according to confirmation from his representatives on Monday.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed in the statement announcing his passing. Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, was remembered as an actor, philanthropist and passionate advocate for disability rights.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” said a statement issued by Sean Reilly.
Mitte rose to prominence in 2008 when he began playing Walter White Jr., the son of chemistry teacher-turned-drug kingpin Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, in Breaking Bad.
Drawing on his own experiences living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the character while using his growing public profile to promote disability awareness and inclusion.
According to his representative, his advocacy extended beyond acting, leading to ambassadorial roles with United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, a nonprofit hospital network.
He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, through which he supported charitable projects and community initiatives. His work focused on challenging stereotypes and encouraging better representation of people with disabilities.
Breaking Bad ran for five seasons between 2008 and 2013 and became one of television’s most celebrated dramas. The series was recently named the best television show of the 21st century in a ranking by The New York Times.
Co-Stars Pay Tribute
Following news of his death, Mitte’s former co-stars expressed grief and shared memories of working with him on the hit series.
Bryan Cranston, who played his on-screen father, recalled that Mitte was just 14 when the show began production. He praised the young actor for his determination in adapting to the demanding filming schedule.
“That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor,” Cranston wrote in an Instagram post.
Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, Walter White’s young partner in the drug business, also paid tribute to Mitte, saying he was struggling to process the news.
“RJ, I love you, my friend. You will be missed,” Paul said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He added a message encouraging people to remember their worth and support one another, saying: “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, Mitte’s on-screen uncle and a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, said he was heartbroken by the actor’s death.
“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set,” Norris wrote on social media.
“He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family,” he added.
Actress and disability rights campaigner Marlee Matlin also expressed her sorrow. Matlin appeared alongside Mitte in Cinemability: The Art of Inclusion, a documentary examining the portrayal of people with disabilities in American film and television.
“My heart is shattered,” Matlin wrote, adding: “There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart. RIP.”
Matlin made history as the first deaf actress to win an Academy Award, receiving the honour for her performance in Children of a Lesser God.
Mitte’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers, with many remembering both his contribution to television and his efforts to advance disability awareness and inclusion.
Source: AFP
