US actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in the hit television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34, the BBC reported.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative told the BBC.

Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death, and an investigation is ongoing.

The Brownsville Police Department confirmed his death, saying no foul play was suspected. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told the Associated Press that Mitte was pronounced dead on October 12 at what was believed to be his home. An autopsy is expected to be conducted.

Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, gained international recognition for his portrayal of Walter White Jr, the son of Bryan Cranston’s character in the Emmy-winning crime drama Breaking Bad. His performance earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014 as part of the series’ cast.

“Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” his representative, Sean Reilly, said in a statement to the BBC.

Beyond acting, Mitte was a prominent advocate for disability rights and representation. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and established The Mitte Foundation to support charitable causes and community initiatives.

Through his work, he sought to challenge stereotypes and encourage greater representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.

‘Breaking Bad’ Co-Stars Pay Tribute
Mitte’s death prompted tributes from his former co-stars, who remembered him as a beloved colleague and friend.

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, expressed his grief in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.

“RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul said. He also urged people to remember that they are loved and not alone.

Dean Norris, who portrayed Mitte’s on-screen uncle Hank Schrader, said he had always looked out for the actor during their time working together.

“RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set,” Norris wrote, describing Mitte as “a sweetheart of a young man” who would be greatly missed.

A Defining Role in ‘Breaking Bad’
Created by Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad aired on US television network AMC for five seasons between 2008 and 2013. The acclaimed series received 58 Primetime Emmy nominations and won 16 awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 2013 and 2014.

The show follows Walter White, a New Mexico high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer, hoping to secure his family's financial future. As he becomes increasingly involved in the criminal underworld, his relationship with his son, Walter White Jr, grows strained.

Mitte's character brought humour and emotional depth to the series. Although the actor himself had cerebral palsy, the condition was never explicitly discussed in the show.

The character was inspired by a late friend of Gilligan who had a more severe form of cerebral palsy and used forearm crutches, which Mitte did not need.

Championing Disability Representation
Born and raised in Louisiana, Mitte was a teenager when he moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to support his younger sister’s acting ambitions. He subsequently auditioned for Breaking Bad, a role that would transform his career.

Before landing the part, one of his early auditions was for a California public service announcement about the dangers of methamphetamine.

Speaking on the Joe Vulpis Podcast earlier this month, Mitte reflected on the connection between that experience and his breakthrough role, describing Breaking Bad as an anti-meth story because of its devastating consequences.

Following his rise to fame, Mitte pushed for more diverse and complex portrayals of people with disabilities, including those whose conditions are not immediately visible.

In a 2021 interview with the BBC, he highlighted the importance of representation across the entertainment industry.

“Watching the awareness grow around disability representation has been great to see, but breakthroughs sometimes come in pieces and moments instead of larger change,” he said.

Mitte’s other screen credits included Hannah Montana, Switched at Birth and Westhampton. His most recent project, Talking to Strangers, was released earlier this year.

His career extended beyond acting, leaving a lasting mark on conversations about disability awareness, inclusion and equal representation in entertainment.

Sun News/ rabbi