‘Breaking Bad’ actor RJ Mitte dies at 34, representatives say

LOS ANGELES, October 13 — RJ Mitte, the talented young actor known for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, has passed away, his representatives confirmed to AFP on Monday. The actor, who lived with cerebral palsy, was 34 at the time of his death. The cause of his passing has not yet been disclosed. Mitte's representatives issued a heartfelt statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a beloved actor, philanthropist, and disability rights advocate.

RJ Mitte first gained recognition in Breaking Bad in 2008, playing the son of chemistry teacher Walter White, a character portrayed by Bryan Cranston that garnered global acclaim. Mitte's authentic portrayal of a character with cerebral palsy not only brought realism to the role but also helped raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with disabilities.

Following his time on Breaking Bad, Mitte continued to use his platform for advocacy, serving as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, a nonprofit hospital network. He also headed The Mitte Foundation, dedicated to philanthropic efforts and community initiatives aimed at challenging stereotypes and promoting greater representation for individuals with disabilities.

Breaking Bad, a critically acclaimed series that ran for five seasons between 2008 and 2013, is often hailed as groundbreaking television and was recently recognized by The New York Times as the best TV show of the 21st century. Colleagues mourned Mitte's passing, with co-star Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, expressing deep sadness. "RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," Paul said.

Dean Norris, who played Mitte's on-screen uncle, a DEA agent, described the young actor as a "sweetheart of a young man" and stated that his loss was "heartbreaking." Fellow disability advocate Marlee Matlin, who worked with Mitte in a documentary about disability portrayals in film and television, expressed her heartbreak, stating that "there will never be another like RJ Mitte."