Actor RJ Mitte, Known for Breaking Bad, Dies at 34 in Texas

US actor RJ Mitte, 34, died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas. His publicist confirmed to Reuters that he took his own life.

Mitte, best known for portraying Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on the Emmy‑winning series Breaking Bad, had cerebral palsy and was celebrated for bringing authenticity to the role and advocating for disability rights.

Tributes from co‑stars

“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,” Bryan Cranston wrote on Instagram, adding he was “in deep despair” and that “All that promise and potential now is such a loss.”

“RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Aaron Paul said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, urging readers “you are loved, and you are not alone.”

Dean Norris posted, “He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed.”

Sean Reilly, Mitte’s representative, told the BBC that the actor “brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.” He also noted that Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and founded The Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic initiatives.

Mitte’s career included roles on Hannah Montana, Switched at Birth, Westhampton and the 2024 film Talking to Strangers. He remained active in promoting diverse representation for people with disabilities, speaking to the BBC in 2021 about the need for broader inclusion in awards season and media.

Police have not released further details, and investigations remain ongoing.