See more of our coverage in your search results.
“Breaking Bad” star RJ Mitte reflected on how he lived his life to the fullest in his final interview before his tragic death.
Mitte died Monday at age 34, his rep confirmed to Page Six. TMZ reported that he died by suicide.
The actor, who was known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” appeared on “The Joe Vulpis” podcast on Oct. 5. During the conversation, he was asked how he was able to get into a dark emotional state for certain intense scenes on the hit AMC show, and Mitte said he channeled his past experiences in life.
“I live life to the fullest,” he said. “I always try. I have a very finite amount of time.”
“I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen a lot of s—t in this world,” he continued. “I’ve seen the most beautiful things and I’ve seen some of the most heinous things in working with communities all around the world. And I find drawing from experience is something that’s really important as an actor.”
Mitte said that the most fulfilling aspect of the success of “Breaking Bad” was that it gave him a platform to continue with his advocacy for disability rights.
The actor had cerebral palsy, and worked to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities by doing various work with foundations.
“That’s really the greatest thing that ‘Breaking Bad’ has given me, is to be able to lend my voice to causes that make a meaningful impact that changes people’s lives,” he shared.
He added, “I think that’s one of the greatest things that I have and it’s not the awards. It’s not all of these things people assume come with this. It’s literally being able to impact someone’s life in a meaningful way that without that, wouldn’t have it.”
Mitte said his greatest achievement was “giving back.”
“One of the things that makes me truly the happiest is helping others and my foundation work,” he noted.
When he was asked about the future, Mitte said he wanted to keep getting his projects funded and keep providing resources for people. He also wanted to just “keep living the dream.”
“I tell people, you know, every dream could be a nightmare, too … but just keep living it, just keep pushing forward,” he said. “As long as my family is healthy and happy, I’m happy.”
Mitte’s final public appearance was just days before his death, when he spoke to inspirational podcast Stauros Entertainment on Oct. 2. He talked about his role in his new movie, “Talking to Strangers,” in which he played a man with cerebral palsy involved in a love affair.
Mitte’s rep shared in a statement with Page Six Monday, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
The rep added that “beyond entertaining friends and family around the world,” the actor served as a proud ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.