RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad,
died by suicide in Texas on Monday at the age of 34, according to county officials and representatives for the late actor and disability rights advocate.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances of his death remains ongoing.
Representatives and Officials Confirm the Tragic News
Publicist Sean Reilly confirmed the actor’s passing in a statement shared across entertainment outlets. Representatives described him as a multifaceted figure whose influence reached far beyond television screens, highlighting his dedication as a beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate.
“It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
RJ Mitte’s representatives, via TMZ
The actor’s representatives asked for privacy for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Shaping Disability Visibility Through AMC’s 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.”
RJ Mitte’s representatives, via Indiatimes
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, he utilized his lived experience to inform his acting career. Although his personal cerebral palsy did not present as severe as his character’s, he learned to use crutches and slow his speech for the role. In interviews over the years, he noted that the role put him on the map and created media visibility that allowed him to advocate for performers with disabilities, emphasizing that representation is everything and that disabled people should work both in front of and behind the camera. Alongside his television career on Breaking Bad, he also appeared on the Freeform show Switched at Birth, the reality TV competition The Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, and film and television projects including The Oak Room,
The Recall,
and The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).
Earlier this month, he reunited with his co-star Luis Moncada, with the two appearing cheerful and all smiles in social media posts.
Actor Supported Charities and Discussed Career on Podcast
Beyond his on-screen work, the actor dedicated significant time to charitable organizations. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, was involved with SAG-AFTRA’s Performers with Disabilities Committee, and held the position of president at The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic initiatives and community programmes while challenging stereotypes surrounding people with disabilities.
He most recently made a public appearance on The Joe Vulpis Podcast, where he spoke about how Breaking Bad had changed his life and discussed his bond with the cast years after the series finale.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat support.