RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, has died at 34 in Brownsville, Texas. His representative confirmed the death, while police said the cause remains unknown and an investigation is continuing.

Mitte was declared dead at his home on October 12, according to Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cindy Hinojosa, who told the Associated Press that an autopsy will be carried out. The Brownsville Police Department confirmed the death and said there is no suspicion of foul play.

His representative described Mitte as an actor, philanthropist and strong supporter of disability rights. A statement attributed to representative Shawn Reilly said Mitte brought originality to his role and created a platform for disability awareness.

Role in Breaking Bad

Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of Walter White, in the drama series created by Vince Gilligan. The character was the rebellious son of the central figure, played by Bryan Cranston, whose story follows a chemistry teacher entering the criminal world after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Aaron Paul also starred in the series as Jesse Pinkman. Paul remembered Mitte in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, saying he was distressed and heartbroken. He added that he loved his friend and would miss him greatly.

Dean Norris, who played Mitte's uncle Hank Schrader, said Mitte was not only his television son. Norris wrote that he had looked after him on set and remembered him as a very lovable young man.

Breaking Bad aired on the American cable broadcaster AMC from 2008 to 2013 across five seasons. The series received 58 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won 16 awards, including two for outstanding drama series in 2013 and 2014.

Mitte received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his work on the series in 2014.

Disability advocacy

Mitte had cerebral palsy and drew on his own experience while playing Walter White Jr. The character's health condition was not discussed in the series, and the role was performed with what the report described as honesty and ease.

The character was based on a late friend of Gilligan's who had severe cerebral palsy and used crutches. Mitte did not need crutches for the role.

After gaining recognition through Breaking Bad, Mitte campaigned for more varied roles and more complex portrayals of disabled characters. He spoke about both visible and invisible disabilities and called for broader representation in the entertainment industry.

Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. Reilly also said Mitte established the Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic and community initiatives.

The representative said Mitte used his public platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for disabled people.

Mitte grew up in Louisiana and moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to support his younger sister's acting career. He was young when he auditioned for the role that made him widely known.

He previously said his first Los Angeles audition was for a California public service advertisement opposing methamphetamine use. Earlier this month, he described Breaking Bad as still being an anti-meth story because its ending is not positive for anyone.

In a 2021 interview with the BBC, Mitte said award seasons should reflect people physically and mentally through a wider range of experiences. He also said progress in disability representation could arrive in pieces and moments rather than through major changes.

Conclusion

RJ Mitte's death was confirmed in Brownsville, while the cause remains unknown and an autopsy is planned. He leaves a legacy through Breaking Bad, disability advocacy and efforts to expand representation on screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How old was RJ Mitte when he died?

RJ Mitte was 34.

Q. What role did RJ Mitte play in Breaking Bad?

He played Walter White Jr., the son of Walter White.

Q. Where did RJ Mitte die?

He died in Brownsville, Texas.

Q. What is known about the investigation?

Police said the cause of death is not known, an investigation is continuing and foul play is not suspected.

Q. When was Mitte declared dead?

Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cindy Hinojosa said he was declared dead at his home on October 12.

Q. Did RJ Mitte support disability rights?

Yes. He was an advocate for disability rights, served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and supported broader representation.