RJ Mitte Dies at 34 After Suicide Confirmed by Representative

Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte died at age 34 on Monday, October 12, in Brownsville, Texas, after his representative confirmed his death was a suicide. Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, was also recognized for philanthropy and disability inclusion efforts.

According to his representative, Mitte died after police responded to a call at 12:50 p.m. local time and found him dead at his home. The Brownsville Police Department said the cause and manner of death were under investigation.

Mitte's representative described his career and advocacy legacy in a statement released after his death.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," said Mitte's representative.

The representative said Mitte used his experience with cerebral palsy to shape his performance as Walter White Jr., a role that appeared across all five seasons of Breaking Bad.

"Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion," said the representative.

The statement added that Mitte worked as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's while leading The Mitte Foundation.

"He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities," said Mitte's representative.

The representative also asked for privacy for Mitte's relatives and close friends following his death.

"At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte's family and close ones," said Mitte's representative.

Mitte Cultural District officials in Brownsville also honored the actor's connection to the community and his support for arts and culture.

"He was a friend, a partner, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together," said the Mitte Cultural District.

Breaking Bad co-star Dean Norris paid tribute to Mitte, remembering him as a young actor he supported while working on the series.

"I am heartbroken," wrote Dean Norris.

Norris said Mitte was a kind presence on set and expressed sympathy for his family.

"Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can't believe it. Thinking of him and his family," wrote Norris.

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, also shared a tribute after hearing the news.

"I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," said Aaron Paul.

Mitte previously spoke about how living with cerebral palsy influenced his acting and perspective on disability representation.

"You develop a different mentality and you develop a different look at how the world sees you and how you see the world," Mitte said in 2024.

"You're able to use that. And I think it's an asset instead of something that would hinder," Mitte added.