RJ Mitte, ‘Breaking Bad’ Star and Disability Advocate, Dies at 34

Actor RJ Mitte, widely recognized for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the critically acclaimed series “Breaking Bad,” has died at the age of 34, his representatives confirmed to AFP on Monday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” read a statement released by his representative, Sean Reilly.

Mitte joined the cast of “Breaking Bad” as a teenager in 2008, playing the son of Bryan Cranston’s chemistry-teacher-turned-drug-kingpin, Walter White. Drawing on his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought a rare authenticity to the role, which became a springboard for his lifelong advocacy work.

“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a powerful platform for disability awareness and inclusion,” Reilly noted.

That advocacy evolved into formal roles as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, a nonprofit hospital network. Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, directing philanthropic efforts and community initiatives while using his public profile to challenge stereotypes and push for greater representation of people with disabilities in media.

“Breaking Bad,” which aired for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, is routinely cited as one of the greatest television dramas of all time and was recently named the best TV show of the 21st century by The New York Times.

Tributes poured in from former co-stars following the announcement. Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, said he was “at a loss” over the news. “RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul told The Hollywood Reporter. “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”

Dean Norris, who portrayed Mitte’s on-screen uncle, DEA agent Hank Schrader, described himself as “heartbroken.”

“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.”

Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning actress and fellow disability campaigner who appeared alongside Mitte in the documentary “Cinemability: The Art of Inclusion,” said her heart was “shattered.”

“There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart. RIP,” Matlin wrote.

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