Actor RJ Mitte, known for Breaking Bad, dies at 34

Actor RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter White Jr. on the AMC series "Breaking Bad," died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 34, his representatives said. Brownsville Justice of the Peace Judge Cyndi Hinojosa declared him dead at 1:32 p.m. but did not disclose the cause of death.

Mitte, who has cerebral palsy, used his personal experience to bring authenticity to the role and became a prominent advocate for disability awareness. His representatives noted that he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and led The Mitte Foundation, which supports philanthropic and community initiatives aimed at improving representation for people with disabilities.

Beyond "Breaking Bad," Mitte appeared in the horror film "The Oak Room" (2020), the sci-fi film "The Recall" (2017), and the 2021 drama "Triumph," which earned a Ruderman Family Foundation Seal of Authentic Representation for its portrayal of disability.

"He was so gracious to our town," Judge Hinojosa said in a phone interview, adding that Mitte will be missed in Brownsville.

Mitte was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. He moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue acting, later reflecting that his family’s support helped him overcome early negative perceptions about his condition. He expressed gratitude for the platform that allowed him to advocate for positive change.