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

RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on the television series “Breaking Bad,” died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at age 34, his representatives said.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his management agency said. Most reports said no further details about his death were released. The Indian Express, citing People, reported that a representative said Mitte died by suicide.

Mitte, who had cerebral palsy, drew on his experience for the role of Walter “Flynn” White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s character. He appeared throughout the show’s five seasons from 2008 to 2013. His other credits included “Switched at Birth,” “The Guardians of Justice,” “The Recall,” “The Oak Room” and “Triumph.”

Beyond acting, Mitte advocated for disability awareness, inclusion and representation in entertainment. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Cranston said he was in “deep despair” and recalled meeting Mitte when he was 14. “I’ll miss you, son,” he wrote on Instagram. Fellow “Breaking Bad” cast members Aaron Paul and Dean Norris also paid tribute, while Marlee Matlin described Mitte as irreplaceable and Lea Thompson remembered him as “joyous, professional and kind.”