LOS ANGELES (AP) – Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, renowned for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series Breaking Bad, died on Monday at the age of 34, as confirmed by authorities and his representatives.
Cameron County Justice of the Peace, Cyndi Hinojosa, stated that she declared Mitte dead around 1:30 p.m. at what is believed to be his home in Brownsville, Texas. While she could not provide a cause of death, an autopsy is scheduled to be performed.
Mitte gained widespread recognition for his role in Breaking Bad, where he played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's character, Walter White, a chemistry teacher who becomes embroiled in the drug trade. The series, which aired from 2008 to 2013, has been heralded as one of the greatest television shows of the 21st century, recently topping a New York Times poll.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, Mitte remarked in a 2014 interview that his personal experiences with the condition informed his acting. He noted that challenges such as physical therapy, family issues, and high medical expenses, which are also central themes in Breaking Bad, ultimately enhanced his performance. "You develop a different mentality and you develop a different look at how the world sees you and how you see the world," he expressed. "You're able to use that. And I think it's an asset instead of something that would hinder."
Borne in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte pursued acting after relocating to Los Angeles in 2006, where he secured various small guest roles in sitcoms. He began his notable career in Breaking Bad when he was in his mid-teens, contributing to the show’s powerful narrative over its five-season run.
His representatives lauded Mitte for bringing authenticity to his character, highlighting his significant role in raising awareness for disability inclusion. In a statement regarding his passing, they emphasized that he utilized his platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for enhanced representation in the media.
In addition to his iconic role in Breaking Bad, Mitte's later credits included the ABC Family series Switched at Birth and the superhero satire Guardians of Justice. Beyond acting, he also served as a producer for several independent films, further showcasing his versatility within the industry.
Furthermore, Mitte was passionate about advocating for the rights of those with disabilities. He served as an ambassador for organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's Hospital. He also founded the Mitte Foundation, dedicated to supporting philanthropic and community initiatives focused on disabilities.
