RJ Mitte, the actor known for playing Walter Jr. in Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 34, according to his representatives. The news has triggered a wave of condolence messages from his former co-stars on the AMC series.
Among the first reactions was that of Dean Norris, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader in the show. The actor took to his social media to express his sadness over the loss.
Dean Norris remembers RJ Mitte as a sweetheart on set
Dean Norris wrote a visibly affected message upon hearing the news. "Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken," the actor wrote, as reported by Deadline.
Norris added that, although Mitte did not play his son in the fiction, he always looked out for him as a young person to care for during filming. "Though RJ didnt 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," he noted.
The actor continued to express his dismay in a second message: "This is so heartbreaking, I cant believe it. Thinking of him and his family."
The legacy of Walter Jr. and his work as an activist
In Breaking Bad, RJ Mitte played Walter Jr., the son of Walter White, the main character portrayed by Bryan Cranston. The character of Walter Jr. also lived with cerebral palsy, a condition that Mitte himself shared in real life.
Over the years, the actor used the visibility the series gave him to promote awareness about disabilities, becoming an active voice in disability rights activism.
Official statement on the death of RJ Mitte
RJ Mitte's representatives confirmed his passing through an official statement. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," they indicated in the text released after the news broke.
The statement does not detail the cause of death or provide additional information regarding the circumstances of his passing.
Other industry reactions
In addition to Dean Norris, other actors also spoke out publicly. Lou Diamond Phillips shared a message on the social network X expressing his shock at the news. "I just found out, Brian. Absolutely heartbreaking. What a wonderful young man. My heart goes out to his family and friends," the actor wrote.
The reactions reflect the impact RJ Mitte had both on and off screen, being remembered not only for his role in Breaking Bad, but also for his personal commitment to social causes related to disability.
Frequently asked questions about the death of RJ Mitte
Who was RJ Mitte in Breaking Bad?
RJ Mitte played Walter Jr., the son of Walter White, the protagonist of Breaking Bad portrayed by Bryan Cranston.
At what age did RJ Mitte die?
RJ Mitte passed away at the age of 34, as confirmed by his representatives through an official statement.
What did Dean Norris say about the death of RJ Mitte?
Dean Norris expressed his grief on social media, stating that he always looked out for Mitte during filming and describing him as a sweetheart of a young man who will be greatly missed.
Which other Breaking Bad actors reacted to the news?
Lou Diamond Phillips also shared a public message mourning the loss, calling the news absolutely heartbreaking.
Why was RJ Mitte known as an activist?
RJ Mitte lived with cerebral palsy, just like his character Walter Jr., and used his visibility in Breaking Bad to promote awareness about disabilities and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
