Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, known for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed series “Breaking Bad,” passed away at the age of 34, as confirmed by authorities and his representatives. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa stated that Mitte was pronounced dead around 1:30 p.m. at his presumed residence in Brownsville, Texas. The cause of his death was not disclosed, pending an autopsy.
Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, shared that his personal experiences with the condition, including challenges with physical therapy, family dynamics, and substantial medical expenses, contributed to his authentic performance on the show. His character, Walter White Jr., appeared in almost every episode of the five seasons of “Breaking Bad,” a series that recently garnered top honors in a New York Times poll ranking the best TV shows of the 21st century.
Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte ventured into acting in 2006 upon moving to Los Angeles. Like his character, he embarked on his journey with “Breaking Bad” in his mid-teens, commencing in 2007, with the show airing from 2008 to 2013. The actor’s representatives highlighted Mitte’s dedication to raising awareness about disabilities and fostering inclusivity, emphasizing his commitment to challenging stereotypes and advocating for representation in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his role on “Breaking Bad,” Mitte appeared in other productions such as the ABC Family series “Switched at Birth” and the superhero satire series “Guardians of Justice.” He also had credits as a producer in various independent films. Beyond his acting career, Mitte actively supported causes related to cerebral palsy, serving as an ambassador for organizations like United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and establishing the Mitte Foundation to champion philanthropic endeavors and community projects focused on disabilities.