RJ Mitte, the actor who brought to life Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's protagonist in the acclaimed series Breaking Bad, died on Monday at the age of 34. His representatives confirmed the passing and stated that he died by suicide in Brownsville, Texas.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy and became a prominent voice for disability rights activism, left a profound mark both on and off screen through his work on Breaking Bad and his philanthropic efforts.
The Associated Press reported that Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa pronounced Mitte dead at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time on Monday at what she believed to be his residence. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact circumstances of his death.
"It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for disability rights, RJ Mitte," his representatives stated in a release.
Who was RJ Mitte and his role in Breaking Bad
Born on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte rose to global fame for his portrayal of Walter Jr., the teenage son of Walter White, a character who also lived with cerebral palsy, just like the actor himself.
Breaking Bad aired between 2008 and 2013 and became one of the most celebrated television dramas of its generation. The series garnered 58 Primetime Emmy nominations and won 16 statues, including two for Outstanding Drama Series.
Mitte was part of the cast that won the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the then-called SAG Awards in 2014, after having been nominated in that same category for the two previous years.
His activism for disability rights
The success of Breaking Bad allowed Mitte to build a public platform focused on disability awareness and inclusion. The actor served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, in addition to serving as president of The Mitte Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting philanthropic and community initiatives.
He also lent his voice to HCBS Final Rule: The Animated Series, a series of short films created to explain regulatory changes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities in California.
Career after Breaking Bad
The role of Walter Jr. opened doors to numerous film and television projects. Mitte starred in the 2021 drama Triumph, in which he played a high school senior who, despite his cerebral palsy, attempts to become a wrestler at an extreme cost.
He also shared the screen with Dove Cameron in Love Me Dead (2024) and with Finn Wittrock in Westhampton (2025). His most recent credit, according to IMDb, was alongside Lin Yin in the independent film Talking to Strangers, which held its red carpet premiere just on September 30 at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.
In television, his filmography also included Switched at Birth, Now Apocalypse, and The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).
What is known about the circumstances of his death
According to information confirmed so far, Mitte died by suicide in Brownsville, Texas, and an autopsy will determine further details regarding his passing. His representatives asked for privacy for the family at this time, and no immediate information is available regarding survivors or the planning of a memorial service.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
Frequently asked questions about the death of RJ Mitte
Who was RJ Mitte in Breaking Bad?
RJ Mitte played Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, the son of the protagonist played by Bryan Cranston in the series Breaking Bad, which aired between 2008 and 2013.
How did RJ Mitte die?
His representatives confirmed that he died by suicide in Brownsville, Texas. Local authorities pronounced his death on Monday, and an autopsy will be performed to learn more details.
How old was RJ Mitte at the time of his death?
RJ Mitte was 34 years old. He was born on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi.
What other projects did RJ Mitte work on besides Breaking Bad?
He participated in films such as Triumph (2021), Love Me Dead (2024) alongside Dove Cameron, and Westhampton (2025) alongside Finn Wittrock. His most recent project was Talking to Strangers, alongside Lin Yin. In television, he also appeared in Switched at Birth, Now Apocalypse, and The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).
Why was RJ Mitte recognized as an activist?
Mitte lived with cerebral palsy and became a prominent figure in disability rights activism. He was an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and he presided over The Mitte Foundation.
