RJ Mitte’s representative has confirmed the actor died by suicide on Oct. 12.
The “Breaking Bad” star, 34, passed away in Texas, where a county official said that the investigation into his death remains ongoing. His representative delivered the confirmation in a statement, framing Mitte’s legacy around both his screen work and his disability advocacy.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the statement read.
The representative highlighted Mitte’s defining role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr. On AMC’s acclaimed series “Breaking Bad,” noting that he drew from his own experience living with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to the part. That platform, the statement noted, became the foundation for his broader work on disability awareness and inclusion.
Beyond acting, Mitte served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, and used his visibility to challenge stereotypes and push for greater representation of people with disabilities. He was also a proud ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
“He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities,” the statement continued.
“At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones,” the representative added.
Mitte had remained professionally active in the weeks before his death. He was last seen publicly on Oct. 2, when he spoke with the inspirational podcast Stauros Entertainment about his new film, “Talking to Strangers,” in which he portrayed a man with cerebral palsy involved in a love affair. Days earlier, on Sept. 30, he had attended a screening of the film at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, California.
In his final interview, recorded Oct. 5 for “The Joe Vulpis Podcast,” Mitte discussed his approach to living fully and how he prepared for his breakthrough television role.
“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.”
Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White opposite Mitte’s son character, was among the co-stars who publicly mourned his death. The 70-year-old actor shared a throwback photo of the pair alongside a tribute expressing his “deep despair” and calling the news “especially devastating to hear that he took his own life.”
“Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago — figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future,” Cranston wrote.
“But I do know that I loved him and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series and after the spotlight on ‘Breaking Bad’ dimmed … I’ll miss you, son,” he concluded.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.