RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on AMC’s “Breaking Bad” and became a prominent advocate for performers with disabilities, has died. He was 34.
His representative confirmed the death to Fox News Digital in a statement mourning “the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told The Associated Press she declared Mitte dead at about 1:30 p.m.
Monday at what she believed was his home in Brownsville, Texas. She said she could not provide a cause and that an autopsy will be performed.
The public statement from his representatives did not give a cause. Deadline reported, citing his representatives, that he died by suicide. Law enforcement told TMZ its investigation is ongoing.
Like the character he played, Mitte had cerebral palsy, diagnosed when he was 3.
His representative said he drew on that experience to bring authenticity to the role. He told the AP in 2014 that his disability, along with struggles over physical therapy, family problems and medical bills, all subjects the show explored, made him better at his job. “I think it’s an asset instead of something that would hinder,” he said.
Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte moved to Los Angeles to act in 2006 and landed small guest roles on sitcoms, according to the AP.
He was in his mid-teens when he began work on “Breaking Bad” in 2007, and he appeared in nearly every episode of its five seasons, which ran from 2008 to 2013. A recent New York Times poll ranked the AMC drama as the best series of the 21st century.
His later credits included “Switched at Birth” and “Guardians of Justice,” and he produced several independent films.
Off screen, Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and as president of The Mitte Foundation, which supports philanthropic and community initiatives. His representative said he used his platform to challenge stereotypes and push for greater representation of people with disabilities.
Mitte appeared on “The Joe Vulpis Podcast” last week, TMZ reported, where he spoke about how “Breaking Bad” changed his life and about his continued closeness with the cast years after the finale.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 in the United States.
