RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 34. Now, Bryan Cranston is mourning the co-star who played his son on the hit series.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, became a prominent advocate for people with disabilities and spent much of his career promoting inclusion. His representatives confirmed his death on Monday, October 12.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representatives said in a statement.
“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
According to People, the Brownsville Police Department responded to a call at 12:50 p.m. local time and found Mitte dead at his home. A judge declared him dead at 1:32 p.m. local time.
RJ Mitte’s death at 34
Mitte’s representative later confirmed to People that he died by suicide.
“At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones,” the representative’s statement read, per Variety.
A medical examiner is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death following an autopsy. The judge said there appeared to be no signs of foul play.
“The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” the Brownsville Police Department told People.
Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White and Anna Gunn’s Skyler White, on Breaking Bad. Following his death, Cranston paid tribute to his former co-star, remembering the young actor he first met as a teenager and the lasting impact he made on his life.
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Bryan Cranston details their last conversation
He continued: “He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community. All that promise and potential now is such a loss. It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life.”
Cranston also recalled their final conversation over text, revealing that they had been trying to arrange a lunch just weeks before Mitte’s death.
“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.”
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
Rest in peace, RJ Mitte. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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