RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on Breaking Bad and a prominent advocate for disability representation, has died at 34. His representatives confirmed that he died in Brownsville, Texas. They have asked for privacy for his family and loved ones.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative said in a statement to the BBC.
What We Know About His Death
His representatives did not disclose a cause of death. BounceFeed, citing a county official, reported that Mitte died Monday and that he died by suicide. Law enforcement has said the death investigation is ongoing. This story will be updated if officials confirm further details.
The Role That Made Him Famous
Mitte played Walter White Jr. across 56 episodes of AMC’s Emmy-winning drama Breaking Bad, appearing as the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White alongside Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul. Like his character, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy, and he drew on that experience for the role. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014 for his work on the series.
“Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” his representative, Sean Reilly, told the BBC.
His other screen credits include The Oak Room, The Recall and The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).
A Voice for Disability Representation
Away from the screen, Mitte was a visible advocate for people with disabilities. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and as president of The Mitte Foundation, which supports philanthropic efforts and community initiatives. His representatives said he used his platform “to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”
In 2019, he spoke about the need for more disabled actors to be cast in Hollywood, a theme he returned to throughout his career.
Personal Life
Mitte was engaged to Kennedy Suarez, whom he proposed to last year after several years together. Earlier this month, he appeared in social media posts with Breaking Bad co-star Luis Moncada.
Remembering RJ Mitte
His representatives asked the public to respect the privacy of his family and close friends. “At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones,” they said.
