Breaking Bad co-stars mourn RJ Mitte, actor and disability advocate, after his death at 34
Actor RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad and his advocacy for disability rights, died by suicide at age 34, prompting tributes from former co-stars.
RJ Mitte, who portrayed Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series Breaking Bad, died by suicide in Brownsville, Texas, on Monday at the age of 34, according to his publicist. Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, was also recognized for his work promoting disability representation and serving as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White on the show, posted on Instagram expressing his sorrow, saying he felt "deep despair" over the loss and recalling meeting Mitte when he was 14. He added that Mitte faced the series’ demanding schedule with determination and that the news of his suicide was "especially devastating."
Aaron Paul, another Breaking Bad star, issued a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, describing himself as "at a loss" and "heartbroken" and urging readers to remember they are loved and not alone.
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, wrote on X that he had looked out for Mitte on set and called him "a sweetheart of a young man" whose death was "heartbreaking."
Mitte, born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1992, began acting in 2006 with guest roles on Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana before joining Breaking Bad in 2008. His performance was noted by critics as a breakthrough for disability representation, and the ensemble won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014. He later produced independent films and appeared in series such as Switched at Birth and The Guardians of Justice.
In 2024, Mitte announced his engagement to Kennedy Suarez, a human resources professional. He also led the Mitte Foundation, created by his family to support philanthropic initiatives related to disabilities.