Actor RJ Mitte expressed frustration over limited on-screen roles before his death at 34
RJ Mitte, known for his role on "Breaking Bad," died by suicide at 34; his texts revealed ongoing challenges securing substantive acting work due to his disability.
Actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on the AMC series "Breaking Bad," died by suicide at age 34, according to Page Six. The actor, who lived with cerebral palsy and advocated for disability rights, had shared text messages with a friend that detailed his difficulties obtaining meaningful on-screen roles.
In an April 2022 message, Mitte wrote that many scripts offered him only minor parts, describing himself as being treated "like a prop" with "three lines if that" and noting that he was beginning to write his own material. A later message in August indicated that he was working primarily in animation because "no one wants me on screen."
Mitte also recounted experiences with casting directors who declined to consider him for roles that did not specifically involve a disability, questioning why a character could not be written with a disability. He described some agents as unresponsive to his inquiries.
Despite occasional work in Australia and Canada, Mitte said he needed U.S. projects to maintain his health insurance. In June 2020 he emphasized the need to stay relevant and expressed belief that he could contribute more if given opportunities.
Mitte served as a spokesperson for the Screen Actors Guild on behalf of actors with disabilities and led The Mitte Foundation, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote representation. In a 2015 interview with the Badger Herald, he said that his disability had shaped his career and impact.
Days before his death, Mitte told Page Six that he was hopeful about a possible "Breaking Bad" spinoff being developed by creator Vince Gilligan. At the Los Angeles premiere of his film "Talking To Strangers" on Sept. 30, he said he was "cautiously optimistic" about working with Gilligan again.
In his final public interview on "The Joe Vulpis" podcast on Oct. 5, Mitte said he intended to keep auditioning and encouraged listeners to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
"I tell people, you know, every dream could be a nightmare, too … but just keep living it, just keep pushing forward," Mitte said on the podcast.
His representative confirmed his death and highlighted his role as president of The Mitte Foundation and his efforts to improve representation for people with disabilities.