RJ Mitte, who portrayed the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White character on the Emmy-winning drama “Breaking Bad,” died Monday in Texas at age 34.
In a statement to various media outlets, Mitte’s spokespeople said, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
“RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter `Flynn’ White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series `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. Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.”
A cause of death was not released. TMZ reported Mitte died of suicide, citing a county official.
Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of “Breaking Bad.” He also appeared in Netflix’s “The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!),” and in films such as “The Oak Room” and “The Recall.”
Cranston wrote the following on Facebook:
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.
“I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm.
“Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.
“Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him – but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way… He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid.
“That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor. He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community.
“All that promise and potential now is such a loss.
“It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life.
“Why?
“We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future …
“But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed …
“I’ll miss you, son.
“I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org/). There is hope.”
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