US actor RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the television series “Breaking Bad,” has died at the age of 34 in Brownsville, Texas, on October 12, where he took his own life.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative said.
The actor was born with cerebral palsy; he turned what could have been a limitation into a source of strength, becoming one of the few actors with a disability to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood. He won the Emmy-winning drama series.
His role in Breaking Bad became iconic, which brought authenticity to the role and also built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, as well as President of The Mitte Foundation, which supports philanthropic efforts and community initiatives.
Bryan Cranston, who played as his father, paid tribute on Instagram, writing that he was in “deep despair” following the news.
“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. That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor,” Cranston wrote.
Actor Dean Norris also paid tribute to Mitte stating he was “heartbroken” by the news of RJ’s death.
“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 social media.
