Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte has died at the age of 34. The actor, who had cerebral palsy and was a passionate disability advocate, was found dead on October 12 after police were called to a location in Brownsville.
Final interview and death details
Mitte shared his final interview on The Joe Vulpis podcast days before his death, where he spoke about 'living life to the fullest'. The Brownsville Police Department received a call at 12:50pm local time, and Mitte was found dead upon arrival. A judge declared him dead at 1:32pm local time. A medical examiner will determine the official cause of death following an autopsy, though there was no sign of foul play.
During the interview, when asked how he dealt with the pressures of filming Breaking Bad, Mitte said: "I live life to the fullest. I always try. I have a very finite amount of time." He added that he planned to "keep pushing forward" and do things he "loves".
Career and personal life
Mitte played Walter White Jr in the hit show Breaking Bad, about a high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin. He appeared in all five seasons of the show, which ran from 2008 to 2013. Like his character, Mitte had cerebral palsy.
In a 2016 interview, Mitte opened up about growing up with his mother and his sister, Lacey, who was 12 years younger. He had been looking after his mother, who was paralysed due to a road accident, the month after Lacey was born. He revealed he changed her diapers, made up her bottles, fed her, rocked her, bathed her, adding he 'did everything'.
Tributes from co-stars
On The Joe Vulpis podcast, Mitte also reflected on a difficult Breaking Bad scene, recalling Walter's final call with his dad, during which he felt "a lot of pressure". He said: "I really think for me one of the most complicated scenes that I've had to do was that final phone call. That's my father, and he killed my uncle. Like he's a murderer."
His on-screen father, Bryan Cranston, shared that the pair had been texting weeks before his death and planned to meet for lunch. Cranston wrote: "I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad, has died. 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."
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, said he is 'at a loss'. He told The Hollywood Reporter: "I am at a loss. 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."
Mitte's representative said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte. Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."
Fans shared tributes on Bryan Cranston's post, with one reading: "This is so heartbreaking I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you and RJ's family & friends. Rest in peace."
