RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in the hit TV series Breaking Bad, died at age 34. Now, his representatives have confirmed the cause of death.
Actor RJ Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, became a powerful voice for people with disabilities and worked throughout his life to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. He died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, his representatives confirmed.
“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.”
Born on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte rose to fame playing Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White and Anna Gunn’s Skyler White in Breaking Bad.
The acclaimed AMC drama ran for five seasons between 2008 and 2013, becoming one of the most successful TV shows of its time.
Mitte’s character also had cerebral palsy, just like the actor himself. His performance helped bring greater attention to the condition and challenged misconceptions about people living with disabilities.
RJ MItte, ‘Breaking Bad actor’ died of suicide, his representatives confirms
Now, his cause of death has been confirmed. His representatives state that RJ Mitte took his own life.
“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.
Per People Magazine, 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 Mitte dead at 1:32 p.m. local time.
A medical examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death after 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.
Disability rights advocate and pioneering actor
RJ Mitte’s work went far beyond acting. He was a passionate advocate for disability rights and better representation in Hollywood. The actor served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, using his platform to raise awareness and support others.
He also served as president of the Mitte Foundation, which supported charitable causes and promoted inclusion. Following his death, the Mitte Cultural District wrote a tribute, remembering RJ Mitte as a “beloved friend, and dedicated champion of the arts whose commitment to Brownsville will forever be part of our community’s story.”
“He was a friend, a partner, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together,” they added.
Following his success on Breaking Bad, Mitte continued to appear in television and film productions, including Switched at Birth and The Guardians of Justice. At the time of his death, the actor was promoting his new film, Talking to Strangers, and had several other projects in development.
Tributes are pouring in amid RJ Mitte’s death at 34
Mitte is survived by his fiancée, Kennedy Suarez. The couple got engaged last year. Following his death, tributes are pouring in.
Dean Norris, who co-starred with Mitte on Breaking Bad, starring as Hank Schrader, wrote on social media that he is “heartbroken.”
“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking; I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family,” Norris wrote on X.
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in the series, said, “I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Rest in peace, RJ Mitte. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
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