Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte has died

Actor and disability-rights activist RJ Mitte has died aged 34.

He is best known for his performance as Walter White Jr in the US series Breaking Bad. He was also an advocate for disability rights, informed from his own experience living with cerebral palsy.

Mitte died by suicide in his home in Brownsville, Texas, as reported by his management.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," 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."

Mitte was involved in a number of philanthropic organisations. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's.

He was president of the Mitte Foundation, based in Texas. The organisation supports community grants, scholarships, and investment to improve quality of life in the area.

His on-screen father Bryan Cranston paid tribute to Mitte in a post on Instagram.

"I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.

"I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm.

"Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.

"We were texting each other just a few weeks ago - figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future…

"But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed…
I’ll miss you, son."

 

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Dean Norris, who played Walt Jr's uncle Hank Schrader, shared a statement about his passing.

"Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set.

"He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family."

Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ
I am heartbroken
Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.
💔💔💔💔💔💔

— Dean Norris (@deanjnorris) October 12, 2026

His other acting credits include Westhampton, Triumph, and the series Switched at Birth. His most recent movie, Talking to Strangers, was shown at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills on September 30.