Actor from hit TV show dies by suicide at age 34

RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. US actor RJ Mitte, best known for his role as the defiant son of drug kingpin Walter White in the drama series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative told the BBC.

Mitte died in Brownsvillle, Texas, on Monday. His publicist confirmed to Reuters that he took his own life. The actor, who had cerebral palsy, drew on his own experience for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr in the Emmy-winning drama series.

Bryan Cranston, who played his father, paid tribute on Instagram, writing that he was in “deep despair” following the news. RJ Mitte (right) as Walter White Jr alongside Bryan Cranston (left) and Anna Gunn in series one of Breaking Bad in 2008 Cranston played a high school chemistry teacher who turned to a life of crime to support his family after a cancer diagnosis. “I met him when he was only 14 years old, when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm,” said Cranston.

“That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor.” Cranston praised Mitte’s advocacy for performers with disabilities, and noted that he never allowed his cerebral palsy to “be an excuse for anything”. “All that promise and potential now is such a loss,” wrote the actor, adding that he “thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed”. He said “it is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life.” Cranston added: “I’ll miss you, son.” Mitte’s representative, Sean Reilly, said in a statement to the BBC: “Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.” The star also served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.

He created The Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, using his platform “to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities”, Reilly said. In a statement shared with the Hollywood Reporter, Aaron Paul, who played Breaking Bad’s Jesse Pinkman, said he was at a loss and heartbroken.