RJ Mitte, best known as Walter White Jr. in AMC’s Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34, his representatives confirmed on Monday. They described him as a beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate. Co-star Bryan Cranston, who played his on-screen father, paid tribute and wrote, “RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad, has died.” Reports cite Cranston as saying Mitte died by suicide.
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From Mississippi To Hollywood
Mitte was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and suffered brain damage at birth. He was later adopted and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 3. He has said he did not set out to be an actor. He moved to Los Angeles at 13, and acting became a way to meet people his own age.
The Role That Changed Everything
A year later, he landed the part of Walt Jr., a teenager with cerebral palsy. Mitte said the character came easily because he had lived through the same struggles. He stayed with the show for all five seasons, from 2008 to 2013. Breaking Bad went on to win 16 Primetime Emmys and is often ranked among television’s greatest dramas.
More Than An Actor
Mitte used his fame to push for disability inclusion. He became the face of a major fashion brand’s “Lived in Spring” campaign and served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He also led the Mitte Foundation, a charity that supports education, health and scholarship programmes in South Texas.
His Final Days
Mitte was promoting his new film Talking to Strangers and had appeared on podcasts just days before his death. He was engaged to his partner, Kennedy Suarez.
A Legacy Beyond The Screen
For millions, Mitte was the young face who showed that disability belongs on screen. That is how many fans will remember him.
