RJ Mitte, the American actor and disability advocate who inspired his role in the hit TV series Breaking Bad with his personal experience of living with cerebral palsy, has died at the age of 34. A statement from his talent agency confirmed his death in Brownsville, Texas, on Monday. According to reports, Mitte took his own life, although no further details were provided.
Mitte's role as Walter White Jr, the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin, in Breaking Bad earned him widespread recognition. The series, which aired from 2008 to 2013, starred Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a high school teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Mitte's portrayal of his character's physical disability brought a level of authenticity to the show, as he drew from his own experiences with cerebral palsy.
Mitte was just 14 years old when he was cast in the pilot episode of Breaking Bad, which began filming in 2007. His performance earned him critical acclaim, and he went on to appear in several other TV shows and films, including the 2021 film Triumph. Mitte was also an advocate for disability rights and worked to promote greater inclusion and representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte's on-screen father in Breaking Bad, paid tribute to his former co-star on social media, describing him as "my dear son" and expressing his "deep sadness" at his death. Cranston noted that he and Mitte had been in touch just weeks before his death, discussing the possibility of meeting for lunch.
Mitte's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment industry and beyond. His talent agency described him as a "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability advocate." Mitte's work extended beyond his acting career, as he also served as a spokesperson for the Screen Actors Guild to promote the rights of artists with disabilities.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was adopted as an infant and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. Despite his physical limitations, he learned to walk without the aid of equipment and went on to lead a successful acting career. Mitte also took on financial responsibility for his younger sister and mother at the age of 13, after his sister was left paralyzed.
Mitte's legacy as an advocate for disability rights and representation in the entertainment industry will continue to inspire others. His contributions to Breaking Bad and other TV shows and films have left a lasting impact on audiences and the industry as a whole. KEY_POINT: RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter White Jr in Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. KEY_POINT: Mitte was an advocate for disability rights and worked to promote greater inclusion and representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry. KEY_POINT: Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte's on-screen father in Breaking Bad, paid tribute to his former co-star, describing him as "my dear son".
