RJ Mitte, ‘Breaking Bad’ actor and disability advocate, dies at 34

RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter "Flynn" White Jr. on AMC's Breaking Bad and became a prominent advocate for disability representation, has died at 34.

Mitte died Oct. 12 in Brownsville, Texas, his representative confirmed. The representative later confirmed to People that Mitte died by suicide. The Brownsville Police Department said the cause and manner of death remain pending while its investigation continues, though police said no foul play is suspected.

What Happened

Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa said Mitte was declared dead at approximately 1:32 p.m. Oct. 12 and that an autopsy would be performed. Brownsville police told multiple outlets that the investigation was ongoing.

In a statement, Mitte's representative said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte."

Authorities' formal determination has not yet been released. The representative's confirmation to People and the police department's pending investigation reflect the different stages of information surrounding the death.

The Big Picture

Mitte was best known for portraying Walt Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White, in all five seasons of Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013. He appeared in 56 episodes and shared in the Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series in 2014.

Like the character he played, Mitte had cerebral palsy. Diagnosed at age 3, he drew on his own experience to portray Walt Jr., bringing an actor with a disability into one of television's most watched dramas without reducing the character to his condition.

After the series, Mitte continued acting in projects including Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice, The Recall and The Oak Room. He had recently been promoting the film Talking to Strangers and attended a Sept. 30 screening at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.

Why It Matters

Beyond his television career, Mitte used his public profile to advocate for disability awareness, access and greater representation in entertainment. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and as president of the Mitte Foundation.

His representative said he used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote broader representation for people with disabilities. Mitte's work on Breaking Bad, and his advocacy afterward, made him a visible voice in an industry where disabled performers have often faced limited opportunities and narrow roles.

What Each Side Is Saying

Several of Mitte's Breaking Bad colleagues publicly mourned him. Aaron Paul said in a statement: "I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed."

Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, wrote that he had looked out for Mitte as a young actor on set and called him "a sweetheart of a young man" who would be greatly missed.

Cranston said he and Mitte had exchanged texts a few weeks earlier while trying to arrange lunch. In a tribute, Cranston wrote: "I'll miss you, son."

What Happens Next

Brownsville police have not announced when the investigation or autopsy findings will be complete. Mitte's representative asked that the public respect the privacy of his family and those close to him.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org.