RJ Mitte, the actor best known for his breakout role as Walter White Jr. in the critically acclaimed crime drama Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.
His representatives confirmed the news on Monday, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and former colleagues across the entertainment industry.
Born Roy Frank Mitte III, the actor began his career with minor television appearances in sitcoms including Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana. However, he achieved global recognition in 2008 when he was cast as the son of chemistry teacher-turned-drug kingpin Walter White in Breaking Bad. Mitte was just 15 years old when the series began, and he remained a central figure throughout its five-season run, acting alongside heavyweights such as Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
Beyond his onscreen success, Mitte was a dedicated advocate for disability rights. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, he utilized his public platform to educate the masses and challenge industry perceptions regarding disability. He served as an ambassador for various organizations, including United Cerebral Palsy, Shriners Children’s, and Can Do Canines, and chaired the Mitte Foundation, which provides scholarships and support to those in need.
His former co-stars have been quick to pay tribute to his character and lasting impact. Dean Norris, who played the role of DEA agent Hank Schrader, expressed his devastation in a social media statement, noting that he had always looked out for Mitte during their years on set.
“Oh my God! Was working and just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken,” Norris wrote. “Though RJ didn’t 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.”
Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, shared a heartfelt message via The Hollywood Reporter, stating: “I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone.”
Throughout his varied career, Mitte also demonstrated his versatility as a creative, appearing in music videos for acts such as Nothing But Thieves and Hollywood Undead, and even taking to the runway for Vivienne Westwood. He further expanded his professional portfolio in 2016 by presenting coverage of the Rio Summer Paralympics for Channel 4.
Other industry figures, including voice actor Vincent Martella, took to social media to mourn the loss. Martella described the late star as a “genuinely nice” individual who left a profound impression on everyone he met.
“What a kind and wonderful person. Devastating,” Martella wrote. “So young and genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to. This is truly awful.”
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