Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. and was a celebrated cerebral palsy and disability advocate, has died aged 34. His final public appearance was on the red carpet just days before his passing.
The 34-year-old attended the premiere of his latest film, Talking to Strangers, in California on 30th September. He passed away on Monday, 12th October in Texas. The cause of death was not immediately revealed.
Tribute from representative
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."
Final film and advocacy work
His final film centres on an introvert with cerebral palsy who strikes up an unlikely friendship. Just four days prior to his death, RJ took to Facebook to speak about the project, describing it as a film with a "little love, some comedy, and maybe even some drama."
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 3, RJ channelled his public profile into championing disability rights, serving as a celebrity ambassador for organisations including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's.
Career highlights
Mitte rose to prominence in 2008 after securing a lead role in the acclaimed crime drama Breaking Bad, portraying the son of unassuming high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who evolves into a ruthless drug kingpin. Making his debut in the series at just 15 years old, Mitte remained a central cast member until the show wrapped in 2013, appearing alongside Hollywood heavyweights including Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk and Dean Norris.
Beyond Breaking Bad, he secured television appearances in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance, while also featuring in films including Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton. Throughout his diverse career, Mitte graced the catwalk at a Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and fronted part of Channel 4's broadcasting of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics. He also appeared in music videos, collaborating with British outfit Nothing But Thieves and American rock group Hollywood Undead.
Tributes from colleagues
American actor and singer Vincent Martella, best known for voicing characters in the Disney Channel animated series Phineas and Ferb, paid tribute on X, describing the news as "devastating".
"What a kind and wonderful person. Devastating," he wrote. "So young and genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to. This is truly awful. Sending love to his family."
