RJ Mitte, the actor best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed AMC series "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34. A county official confirmed his death on Monday in Texas, and a death investigation is ongoing. Mitte's representative stated that the actor died by suicide.
A public celebration of life is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. at The Mitte: Arts and Cultural Center in Brownsville, Texas. The center holds significant meaning for Mitte, who served as president of the Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation, instrumental in transforming the former Brownsville Museum of Fine Art into a vibrant cultural hub.
Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) at age three, became a prominent advocate for disability awareness and inclusion within the entertainment industry. He drew upon his personal experiences to portray Walter White Jr. with authenticity and used his platform to champion for greater representation of actors with disabilities.
"RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter 'Flynn' White Jr on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad," his representative said in a statement. "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 his acting career, Mitte was an ambassador for organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He was actively involved in community projects, including the rejuvenation and funding of marginalized communities in South Texas through his family's Austin-based charity, The Mitte Foundation.
Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of "Breaking Bad" between 2008 and 2013. The series, which followed a chemistry teacher's descent into the drug trade, garnered widespread critical acclaim. His other acting credits include appearances in "The Recall" and "The Guardians of Justice."
In recent years, Mitte spoke about the importance of representation in media. "Representation is everything," he said in 2023. "Having positive influences of individuals with disabilities, not just cerebral palsy, but all of them, changes the mindset. TV is something that we all share; we all watch. TV really brings communities together in a way that you might not realize through social outlet."
He also reflected on how his disability shaped his career path. "I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today without my disability," he stated. "I utilized everything I know about living with cerebral palsy for my role in Breaking Bad."
Mitte's death comes a year after his engagement to his girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez. He proposed on her 30th birthday at a benefit event for United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego. Suarez expressed her joy at the time, calling him "the man of my dreams" and emphasizing their shared passion for helping others.
In an interview in 2019, Mitte reflected on his time on "Breaking Bad," acknowledging its significant impact on his career. "Breaking Bad put me on the map," he said. "None of my projects would exist without that show and the opportunity it gave me."
If you or someone you know needs support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the US. Resources are also available online at 988lifeline.org.