‘Breaking Bad’ star and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte dies at 34
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on AMC’s acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad,' has died at the age of 34. His representative confirmed his death in a statement on Monday, October 12, remembering him as a beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate.
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 3 and used his experiences to advocate for disability awareness, inclusion and greater representation.
RJ Mitte's representative confirms his death and disability advocacy work
“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 Page Six on Monday.
His representative noted that Mitte drew from his own experience living with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to his role in 'Breaking Bad' and build a platform focused on disability awareness and inclusion.
Beyond his acting career, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and was president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives while challenging stereotypes and promoting greater representation for people with disabilities.
According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Mitte died on Monday. A county official confirmed to the outlet that the actor died in Texas and that the death investigation remained ongoing. His representative asked the public to respect the privacy of his family and loved ones.
Mitte also served as a Screen Actors Guild spokesperson for actors with disabilities. Speaking to the Badger Herald in 2015, he reflected on how his condition had shaped his life and career.
“I think everyone that has a disability has the opportunity to make an impact with what they can do and who they are,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today if it wasn’t for my disability and what it instilled in me.”
He added that “nothing worth anything comes easy,” explaining, “The trick is to never quit working and to always be pushing forward.”
RJ Mitte's acting career, engagement and final public appearance
Mitte appeared throughout all five seasons of 'Breaking Bad' and also had roles in ABC Family’s 'Switched at Birth,' 'The Guardians of Justice' and 'Now Apocalypse.' His earlier appearances included 'Hannah Montana' and 'Everybody Hates Chris.'
Last October, Mitte announced his engagement to Kennedy Suarez. Speaking to People at the time, he expressed his excitement about their future together.
“I’m thrilled to have found my person, my partner in life who makes me want to be better, no matter what we’re doing,” he said. “Kennedy is my everything and I can’t wait to officially start our life together and see what adventures life takes us on next.”
Mitte made his final public appearance just days before his death, speaking with the inspirational podcast Stauros Entertainment on October 2. During the conversation, he discussed his role in his new movie, 'Talking to Strangers,' in which he played a man with cerebral palsy involved in a love affair.
Following news of his death, the Mitte Cultural District remembered him on Monday as “a friend, a partner and someone who genuinely believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together.”
