RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' Star, Dies at 34
Co-stars and colleagues mourn the actor, known for his role as Walter White Jr. and his advocacy for disability rights, following reports of his death by suicide.
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. in the critically acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34. Reports from TMZ and other outlets indicate that Mitte died by suicide on Monday in Texas. A death investigation is ongoing, according to a county official.
Mourning the loss, "Breaking Bad" co-stars Aaron Paul and Dean Norris were among the first to share their grief. Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, expressed his heartbreak, stating, "RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed." He also offered a message of support to those struggling, "please know you are loved, and you are not alone."
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, shared his shock and sadness on X, formerly Twitter. "I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set," Norris wrote. "He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed."
Mitte, who appeared in 56 episodes of "Breaking Bad" from 2008 to 2013, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) at age three. He became a prominent advocate for disability awareness and inclusion, drawing from his own experiences. His representative issued a statement calling him a "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate."
"RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter 'Flynn' White Jr on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad," the statement read. "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 served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He championed greater representation of disabled actors and individuals working both in front of and behind the camera in the entertainment industry.
"Representation is everything," Mitte stated in a 2023 interview. "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."
Other notable figures from the entertainment world also expressed their condolences. Actress Marlee Matlin shared, "My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte." DC Studios head James Gunn commented, "RJ was a really sweet guy. I am so sorry to hear this." Actor Vincent Martella described Mitte as "a kind and wonderful person" and "genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to."
Mitte's work on "Breaking Bad" earned him widespread recognition. The series followed the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a terminally ill chemistry teacher, into a methamphetamine manufacturer alongside his former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).
Mitte had been engaged to his girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, since her 30th birthday approximately a year ago. He resided in Brownsville, Texas, and was president of The Mitte Foundation, a charity focused on revitalizing marginalized communities in South Texas.
For anyone struggling with mental health issues, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 in the US, with an online chat also available at 988lifeline.org.