RJ Mitte, most famous for playing the son and namesake of “Breaking Bad” antihero Walter White, has died at age 34.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” publicist Sean Reilly confirmed in a statement, which also asked for privacy for family and loved ones.
The actor died in Texas on Monday according to TMZ, citing a county official. The outlet also reports that the cause was suicide, and an investigation into the death is ongoing.
Mitte, like Walt Jr., had cerebral palsy, a movement disorder typically diagnosed in young children, though his own CP did not present as severe as his character’s. He learned to use crutches and slow his speech for the role, which earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards for disability visibility in television.
In addition to his work as an actor, Mitte was also a disability advocate with United Cerebral Palsy as well as SAG-AFTRA’s Performers with Disabilities Committee. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation through which he performed philanthropic efforts and provided community grants and scholarships.
