Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte dead at 34

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RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on the globally acclaimed, award-winning television series Breaking Bad, has died, TMZ.com reports. He was 34.

A cause of death was not immediately made available, but TMZ says an official told the outlet Mitte died by suicide in Texas and an active investigation into his death is underway.

High-profile role

Mitte played Walter Jr., the son of teacher-turned-drug kingpin Walter White on the Vince Gilligan crime drama Breaking Bad. The award-winning series is considered to be one of the greatest in television history. Like his character Walt Jr., Mitte had cerebral palsy, and his high-profile role brought more public awareness to the condition.

Mitte served as ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and headed his own charity, the Mitte Foundation, which supports a number of philanthropic endeavours.

Representatives for the actor released a statement to the outlet: “It is with profound sadness 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.”

Co-star reacts

Dean Norris, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader, Walt Jr.’s uncle on the show, said he was “heartbroken” to find out about Mitte’s death.

“Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ I am heartbroken,” Norris wrote on X. “Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.

Prolific actor

Before his death Mitte was promoting his newest project, Talking to Strangers, a film released in July, and had a number of projects in production and pre-production. He was enganged to long-term partner Kennedy Suarez who he had been dating since 2018.

Mitte was born in Jackson, Miss. He suffered brain damage at birth and was adopted. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3.

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