RJ Mitte, the US actor best known for his role as Walter Flynn White Jr in the Emmy-winning drama series Breaking Bad, has died. He was 34.
His representative, Sean Reilly, confirmed the news to the BBC, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.” The actor died in Brownsville, Texas, though no immediate cause of death was provided.
Tributes from Breaking Bad cast
Breaking Bad aired on the US cable broadcaster AMC for five seasons from 2008 to 2013. The anti-hero drama, created by Vince Gilligan, earned 58 Primetime Emmy nominations and won 16 awards, including two for Outstanding Drama Series.
Bryan Cranston, who played the lead role of Walter White, posted a tribute to his on-screen son on Instagram. Cranston wrote that he was in “deep despair” following the news. He recalled meeting Mitte when the actor was just 14 years old during the casting process.
“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 highlighted Mitte’s advocacy work for performers with disabilities. He noted that Mitte never allowed his cerebral palsy to “be an excuse for anything.” “All that promise and potential now is such a loss,” Cranston added, expressing that he thoroughly enjoyed working with him throughout the years.
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, shared a statement with the Hollywood Reporter. He said he was at a loss and heartbroken. “RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul wrote. “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 Hank Schrader, also posted a tribute. “He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed,” Norris wrote, noting that although Mitte did not play his TV son, he always looked out for him as a young kid on set.
Advocacy and career
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, drew on his own experience for his role as the defiant son of drug kingpin Walter White. He earned a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014 for his work on the series.
“Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” Reilly said in his statement. Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He also created The Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.
Grew up in Louisiana, Mitte moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to support his younger sister’s acting career. He was a young teen when he auditioned for the breakthrough role. His first audition in Los Angeles was for a California state public service announcement for an anti-meth commercial.
Speaking on the Joe Vulpis Podcast earlier this month, Mitte reflected on his career. “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. His character was based on Gilligan’s late friend who had a more severe case of cerebral palsy and used forearm crutches, which Mitte did not require.
After shooting to fame, Mitte fought for more varied roles and complex depictions of characters with disabilities. His other on-screen credits include Hannah Montana, Switched at Birth, Westhampton, and his latest project, Talking to Strangers, which came out earlier this year.
“Whenever awards season rolls around, we always hope to see a diverse group of projects that reflect all of us, in body and mind,” he told the BBC in 2021. “Watching the awareness grow around disability representation has been great to see, but breakthroughs sometimes come in pieces and moments instead of larger change.”
The Brownsville Police Department confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to the BBC. They said the cause and manner of death have not been determined and the investigation remains ongoing. No foul play was suspected, according to police.
Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told the Associated Press that the actor was declared dead on October 12 at what was believed to be his home. A post-mortem examination would be performed.
Source: BBC
