RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. His representative confirmed the news on October 12, just days after the actor attended the premiere of his latest film.
Final public appearance
Mitte walked the red carpet on September 30 for the premiere of Talking to Strangers in California. It was his last public appearance before his death.
The film tells the story of an introvert with cerebral palsy who meets a person and forms an interesting friendship. Four days before his death, Mitte posted about the movie on Facebook, describing it as having "little love, some comedy, and maybe even some drama."
Confirmed death and tributes
Mitte died on Monday, October 12 in Texas. His cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
His representative told Deadline: "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, RJ brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."
US actor and singer Vincent Martella, best known for voicing Disney Channel animated series Phineas and Ferb, shared a tribute on X, writing: "What a kind and wonderful person. Devastating." He added: "So young and genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to. This is truly awful. Sending love to his family."
Career and advocacy
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3. He used his fame to advocate for disability rights, serving as a celebrity ambassador for several organizations, including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's.
He made a name for himself in 2008 after landing a lead role in Breaking Bad, starring as the son of high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin. Mitte first appeared in the series aged 15 and had a recurring role until its conclusion in 2013, featuring alongside Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk and Dean Norris.
He also landed TV roles in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance, and featured in films such as Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton. During his career, Mitte walked the catwalk for a Vivienne Westwood fashion show and presented part of Channel 4's coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics. He also appeared in music videos for English band Nothing But Thieves and US rockers Hollywood Undead.
