RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' Actor, Dies at 34

RJ Mitte, the actor best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed AMC series "Breaking Bad," died by suicide on Monday in Texas. He was 34.

Mitte's final public appearance was eight days prior, on a hot air balloon ride at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in New Mexico with his "Breaking Bad" co-star Luis Moncada. Moncada, who played Marco Salamanca in the series, shared a video of the moment on social media, offering comfort to Mitte.

"Let's hold hands bro. Put your head on my shoulder. You're going to be ok," Moncada is heard saying in the footage. He added, "I'm so sorry for your loss."

The hot air balloon company also shared their grief, stating, "We are heartbroken. RJ brought so much kindness, laughter, and joy to this morning."

Just days before his death, Mitte attended the Los Angeles premiere of his new film, "Talking to Strangers." He had promoted the independent movie on Facebook, encouraging fans to watch and support it. The film, which also stars Lin Yin, features Mitte as a rigid loner with cerebral palsy who forms an unlikely friendship.

Mitte, who lived with mild cerebral palsy, often spoke about using his experiences to advocate for disability awareness, representation, and inclusion. He said in a 2016 interview that his disability had been instrumental in his career, helping him land the role of Walter White Jr. in "Breaking Bad," a role that garnered him significant recognition.

He moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue acting and appeared in 56 episodes of "Breaking Bad" between 2008 and 2013. His representatives confirmed his passing on Monday, noting his work as a philanthropist and disability rights advocate.

"Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion," his reps stated. Law enforcement officials are conducting a death investigation, according to reports.