Fans of Breaking Bad were left shocked by reports of RJ Mitte’s sudden death. Mitte played Walter White Jr. in the hit television series.
Roy Frank “RJ” Mitte III died by suicide on October 12 in Brownsville, Texas. His representative confirmed the news to People magazine on Monday evening. He was 34.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative said in a statement.
“Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series ‘Breaking Bad.’ Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
Police received a call at 12:50 p.m. local time, according to reports. Officers later found the actor dead at his home.
Like his character in the series, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy.
Bryan Cranston mourns Flynn’s death
Mitte’s Breaking Bad co-stars expressed their shock and grief following news of his death.
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s on-screen father, Walter White, said he was in “deep despair” over the news.
He recalled meeting Mitte when he was 14 and watching him grow into a “really fine actor,” adding that his cerebral palsy had not prevented him from excelling in his craft.
Cranston also revealed that the two had exchanged messages just weeks earlier while trying to arrange a lunch meeting.
“I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future… But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed… I’ll miss you, son,” Cranston wrote.
‘Breaking Bad’ co-stars join Cranston
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, also expressed his heartbreak over the news.
“I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul wrote.
Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader, Mitte’s on-screen uncle, also shared his grief, recalling how he had looked out for the young actor during their time on set.
Other Breaking Bad cast members who paid tribute to Mitte included Matt Jones, who played Badger, and Charles Baker, who portrayed Skinny Pete.
A disability champion beyond the screen
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, a condition that affected his motor skills. During childhood, he wore leg braces and casts and underwent years of physical therapy to manage its effects.
He also became his family’s breadwinner at the age of 13 after his mother was paralysed in a car accident.
Despite these challenges, Mitte said he was able to lead a relatively normal life, drawing on his experiences to challenge perceptions of disability and encourage greater inclusion.
Beyond his acclaimed role in Breaking Bad, Mitte became an advocate for the representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.
He supported organisations such as United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, using his platform to raise awareness, promote inclusion and advocate for greater opportunities for people with disabilities.
He also served as president of the Mitte Foundation, which supported philanthropic and community initiatives, extending his advocacy beyond his condition on and off the screen.
READ NEXT: Nicolas Cage takes stance against Amazon’s AI waiver on Spider Noir
