‘Breaking Bad’ Star RJ Mitte Dies at 34

RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed television drama “Breaking Bad,” has died at the age of 34.

Mitte, who was also an advocate for disability inclusion, died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, where he resided. No immediate cause of death was publicly disclosed.

“United Cerebral Palsy is deeply saddened by the passing of RJ Mitte, a talented actor and passionate advocate for people with cerebral palsy,” Susan Sellers, president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, said in a statement to The Epoch Times.

Mitte had cerebral palsy. Throughout his career, he used his public platform to advocate for disability representation and greater opportunities for performers with disabilities in the entertainment industry.

Mitte rose to fame on the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” which followed chemistry teacher Walter White’s transformation into a criminal figure after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Mitte appeared throughout the show’s five-season run, which ended in 2013, portraying a character with cerebral palsy.

As a disabled actor playing a disabled character in a major television production, Mitte challenged industry practices that can restrict opportunities for disabled actors or reduce their experiences to stereotypes.

Mitte was an ambassador for organizations including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, while also contributing to philanthropic initiatives through the Mitte Foundation, where he served as president of the nonprofit organization.

“As an honorary trustee of United Cerebral Palsy, RJ used his platform to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and advance understanding and inclusion for people with disabilities,” Sellers told The Epoch Times.

“His advocacy was rooted in a commitment to ensuring that people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities are seen, heard, and afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential. His dedication to advancing that vision made him an integral part of our community and mission.”

Recently, he spoke publicly about the lasting influence “Breaking Bad” had on his life and the connections he made with co-stars and those associated with the production.

“My character was written [as] someone with cerebral palsy. From the beginning, that was always the case,” he said on “The Joe Vulpis Podcast” just days before his death.

“Walt Jr. was based on a real person, a friend of [creator] Vince Gilligan in college who had cerebral palsy, who used forearm crutches, and sometime after, passed away. So it really felt real playing this character and getting into the groove with this character.”

“Bryan and Anna, they have such a wealth of knowledge, and had been working in the industry for many years at the time, and even more now,” he continued. “And so every day, as far as it being a dark show, having heavy themes, everything was very light-hearted—even in between takes.”

Mitte also appeared in a number of other productions, independent films, and television projects, landing roles on “Weeds,” NBC’s “Vegas,” and CW’s “Everybody Hates Chris.” Additional credits include “The Oak Room,” “The Recall,” and “The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).”