‘Breaking Bad’ actor and disability advocate RJ Mitte dies at 34

RJ Mitte, the talented actor renowned for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed drama series Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 34. His representative shared the news of his tragic demise, stating that he died in Brownsville, Texas, with no immediate cause of death disclosed. Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, drew inspiration from his personal experiences to portray the character with authenticity.

For his outstanding work on the series, he received a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014. In addition to his acting career, Mitte was a staunch advocate for disability rights and awareness, serving as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. He also founded The Mitte Foundation, dedicated to supporting philanthropic endeavors and initiatives aimed at challenging stereotypes and promoting greater representation for individuals with disabilities.

Mitte's journey to the role of Walter White Jr. began in 2005 when he auditioned for a California state public service announcement about anti-meth, while living in Louisiana. His on-screen credits also include appearances in Hannah Montana, Switched at Birth, Westhampton, and his latest project, Talking to Strangers, released earlier this year.

Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, aired on US cable broadcaster AMC from 2008 to 2013, earning 58 Primetime Emmy nominations and winning 16, including two for Outstanding Drama Series in 2013 and 2014. The series, which follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine manufacturer, is widely regarded as one of the finest TV shows of the 21st century.