RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' Actor, Found Solace and Professionalism in Australia
The actor, who died by suicide at 34, spoke fondly of his time filming in Sydney and working with Australian talent.
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," had a significant connection to Australia, frequently visiting the country for work and holidays. Mitte died by suicide on Monday at his home in Texas. He was 34.
Mitte filmed the movie "Standing Up For Sunny" in Sydney's Bondi Beach neighborhood in 2018. He was slated to appear in 56 episodes of "Breaking Bad" between 2008 and 2013, portraying the son of Bryan Cranston's character, a chemistry teacher who builds a meth empire. Mitte's portrayal of Walter White Jr., a character with cerebral palsy, drew on his own experiences and provided a platform for disability awareness and inclusion.
During his time in Sydney, Mitte expressed his enthusiasm for the city and the Australian film industry. "I love it. Australia's a great country. I'm a really big fan of Illawarra; I think it's such an amazing environment - I love Sydney and Wollongong," Mitte told Rough Cut magazine. He added that he had spent time in Adelaide and Melbourne and found the communities to be great. "Working in the film industry there was a pleasure."
Mitte particularly praised Australian actors, noting their professionalism and the high quality of their work. "The level of professionalism in Australia is apparent. The quality of work that comes out is at such a high level," he said. He appeared alongside Australian actors Philippa Northeast, Sam Reid, and Matt Nable in "Standing Up For Sunny," and had previously worked with Luke Hemsworth and Barry Humphries.
"It really was a surreal experience as a whole. I was living the Australian dream, you know? I was working in Newtown, living in Bondi – that's the dream for an actor, isn't it? To work in the hipster capital of Sydney and live by Bondi Beach," he recalled.
Mitte's representative confirmed his passing to TMZ, 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 in "Breaking Bad" and his advocacy work. "Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. He became an ambassador for organizations like United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. A death investigation is ongoing.