RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed US television drama "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34. His representatives confirmed the news on Monday.
The Brownsville Police Department confirmed the actor's death in a statement, saying the cause and manner of death have not been determined and the investigation remains ongoing. No foul play was suspected, according to police.
Mitte was declared dead on 12 October at what was believed to be his home. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa said a post-mortem examination would be performed.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, became a prominent disability rights advocate following his rise to fame on the show. His representative, Sean Reilly, said in a statement that Mitte "brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."
He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and founded The Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives. Reilly said Mitte used his platform "to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities."
Mitte grew up in Louisiana and moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to support his younger sister's acting career. He was a young teenager when he auditioned for the role of Walter White Jr. He had recalled that his first audition in the city was for a California state public service announcement for an anti-meth commercial.
"Fast forward to auditioning for Breaking Bad, which is still, in my opinion, an anti-meth thing because it doesn't end well for anyone," he said on a podcast earlier this month.
His character was based on a late friend of series creator Vince Gilligan, who had a more severe case of cerebral palsy and used forearm crutches, which Mitte did not require. Mitte was widely seen as bringing honesty and accessibility to the role.
"Breaking Bad" aired on US cable broadcaster AMC for five seasons from 2008 to 2013. The series earned 58 Primetime Emmy nominations and won 16, including Outstanding Drama Series in both 2013 and 2014.
Bryan Cranston, who played chemistry teacher-turned-drug manufacturer Walter White, posted a tribute on Instagram, writing that he was in "deep despair" following news of Mitte's death.
"I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm," Cranston wrote. "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 also wrote of Mitte's advocacy for performers with disabilities, noting that he never allowed his cerebral palsy to "be an excuse for anything." He added that he "thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed."
"All that promise and potential now is such a loss," Cranston wrote. "I'll miss you, son."
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in the series, said in a statement that he was at a loss and heartbroken. "RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," he said. "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 Mitte's on-screen uncle Hank Schrader, wrote that although "RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set." He described Mitte as "a sweetheart of a young man" who "will be greatly missed."
After his rise to fame, Mitte continued to advocate for more varied and complex depictions of characters with disabilities in film and television. "Watching the awareness grow around disability representation has been great to see, but breakthroughs sometimes come in pieces and moments instead of larger change," he told a media outlet in 2021.
His other screen credits include "Hannah Montana," "Switched at Birth," "Westhampton," and his most recent project, "Talking to Strangers," released earlier this year.
