The American actor RJ Mitte, known for playing Walter White Jr. in 'Breaking Bad', has died at 34 years old, as reported by elDiario.es. The news has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the office of Justice of the Peace Cindy Hinojosa, in Brownsville (Texas), while authorities investigate the circumstances of his death. For the moment, the causes of death have not been released. Authorities have opened an investigation to clarify the causes of the actor's death, who passed away at 34 years old. According to initial information, the case is being investigated in Brownsville (Texas), where the death occurred, and new data is expected to determine the circumstances of what happened.
His representatives have also confirmed the news to Deadline through a statement in which they expressed their sorrow for the loss of the actor, whom they remembered as a beloved actor, philanthropist, and strong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
Mitte achieved international popularity thanks to his role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr., the son of Walter White, a character played by Bryan Cranston. His participation in the acclaimed fiction allowed him to be part of the cast awarded the Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series. His character became one of the most recognizable members of the protagonist family throughout the five seasons of the production.
Like the character he played in the fiction, the actor had cerebral palsy, diagnosed during his childhood. Beyond 'Breaking Bad', he participated in other productions such as 'Switched at Birth', 'Dixieland', 'Robot Chicken', 'Now Apocalypse', and 'The Guardians of Justice', with which he expanded a career that began to consolidate after the success of the AMC series.
The emotional farewell from Bryan Cranston and his 'Breaking Bad' co-stars
The news has also shocked his co-stars. Bryan Cranston, who played his father in the fiction, has bid farewell to Mitte with an emotional message on social media. "I am deeply saddened as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son in 'Breaking Bad', has died", wrote the actor, who recalled how he met the actor when he was barely 14 years old and the bond they built during the years of filming.
Cranston also revealed that they had exchanged messages just a few weeks ago to try to organize a meal. "I don't know if that lunch would have changed his future, but I do know that I loved him and that I thoroughly enjoyed being with him all those years on the show," he expressed. The actor concluded his farewell with words that reflect the affection he felt for his colleague: "I'll miss you, son."
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in 'Breaking Bad', has also publicly lamented his death. "I'm heartbroken. My heart is broken by this news. RJ, I love you, friend. We will miss you," he wrote. Dean Norris, the actor who played Hank Schrader, also joined the expressions of affection, remembering Mitte after sharing with him one of the most recognized stages of recent television.
His commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities
Outside of filming, Mitte stood out for his involvement in advocating for a more inclusive audiovisual industry. In 2016, he collaborated with Channel 4 in the coverage of the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games and served as spokesperson for the I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts and Media of Performers With Disabilities) campaign, dedicated to promoting a greater presence of artists with disabilities in film, television, and other cultural fields.
His personal experience contributed to giving visibility to the barriers faced by performers with disabilities and to demanding equal professional opportunities. In this way, his career went beyond his work in front of the cameras and was also linked to the defense of a more diverse representation in the entertainment industry.
With his passing, television loses one of the faces associated with one of the most influential series of its generation. His portrayal of Walter White Jr. and his work in favor of inclusion leave a mark that his colleagues and followers have begun to remember after the news broke.