RJ Mitte, Actor Known for "Breaking Bad" Role and Disability Advocacy, Dies at 34
Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. and was a vocal advocate for disability rights, died by suicide in Texas.
RJ Mitte, an actor best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed television series "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34. A county official confirmed to TMZ that Mitte died by suicide on Monday in Texas. A death investigation is ongoing.
Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of "Breaking Bad" from 2008 to 2013. He also had roles in "The Recall" and "The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!)".
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, Mitte became a prominent advocate for actors and individuals in the entertainment industry with disabilities. His representative stated, "It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte." The statement continued, "RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad. Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion. Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s."
"Breaking Bad," which won multiple Emmy awards, aired from 2008 to 2013. The series followed a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, begins manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).
In 2019, five years after the show concluded, Mitte reflected on his time on "Breaking Bad," telling The Sydney Morning Herald, "That's going to follow me 'til the day I die."
Mitte had recently become engaged to his girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, on her 30th birthday. He told People magazine, "I'm thrilled to have found my person, my partner in life who makes me want to be better, no matter what we're doing. Kennedy is my everything and I can't wait to officially start our life together and see what adventures life takes us on next."
The actor proposed at the 56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit in Carlsbad, California, a fundraising event for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego, for which he served as an ambassador. Suarez shared on Instagram, "My 30th felt like a fairytale…. I have the man of my dreams by my side & we are doing what we love most — helping others."
The couple resided in Brownsville, Texas. Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, a charity based in Austin that supports marginalized communities in South Texas.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move, maintain balance, and hold posture. It results from abnormal development or damage to the brain that affects a person's movement. Symptoms can range from muscle stiffness and poor motor control to difficulties with coordination.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.