RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' Actor and Disability Advocate, Dies at 34
Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr., died by suicide in Texas; he was engaged to HR specialist Kennedy Suarez.
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for his role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr. on the acclaimed 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, and a death investigation is ongoing.
Mitte's representative shared the news, stating, "It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte." The statement highlighted his role on "Breaking Bad" and his advocacy for disability awareness and inclusion, drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy.
He was also an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. Mitte advocated for greater representation of disabled individuals in the entertainment industry, pushing for more opportunities both in front of and behind the camera.
"We know lots of progress is being made but the industry must do more to help disabled people work both in front of and behind the camera," Mitte said, according to Variety. "I would love to switch on my TV and see a disabled person talking about something they are genuinely interested in or acting out a part that doesn’t just focus on their impairment."
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, proposed to his longtime girlfriend, HR specialist Kennedy Suarez, on October 10, 2025, her 30th birthday. "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," Mitte told People at the time. Suarez took to Instagram following the engagement, writing, "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 lived in Brownsville, Texas. Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, his family's Austin-based charity focused on rejuvenating and funding marginalized communities in South Texas.
"Breaking Bad" aired from 2008 to 2013. Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of the series. His other acting credits include "The Recall" and "The Guardians of Justice."
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. During his career, he often spoke about how his disability informed his "Breaking Bad" role and his broader advocacy work. "I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today without my disability," he told the Irish Examiner in 2016. "I utilized everything I know about living with cerebral palsy for my role in Breaking Bad."
In recent interviews, Mitte reflected on the impact of "Breaking Bad" and his personal ambitions. "I want to top Breaking Bad. That's the hardest... I set a bar for myself as a young man that is kind of unobtainable," he said on The Joe Vulpis Podcast. "And I tell people, I say, look, it's a long way down from the top of the mountain."
Mitte hailed from Mississippi and discovered he was adopted at age six. He shared that his mother adopted him due to a previous ovarian cancer diagnosis. He later gained a sister, Lacianne, who was born 11 years after his adoption.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. on 988. An online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.