RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, dies at 34
In short
RJ Mitte, known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died at 34, his representatives confirmed. NBC News reported that he died Monday in Brownsville, Texas; officials said an investigation was ongoing and did not disclose a cause.
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RJ Mitte, the actor known for playing Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died at 34, his representatives confirmed. NBC News reported that Mitte died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, where he had moved. The local justice of the peace told the network that he was declared dead at 13:32 but that the cause could not be disclosed. CNN reported that the investigation was ongoing. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Mitte's representatives did not provide details about the cause of death in statements reported by CBS News and NBC News. IGN reported that TMZ had been told he died by suicide, but the other reports did not disclose a cause. His representatives asked for privacy for his family and loved ones, according to NBC News. [ 1 , 4 , 5 ]
Mitte's breakout role was the teenage son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White in the AMC series, which debuted in January 2008 when Mitte was 15, NBC News reported. IGN said he appeared in all five seasons, playing the character for 56 episodes. CBS News reported that, as a member of the cast, he won a Screen Actors Guild Award for best drama ensemble in 2014 for the show's final season. His other credits included The Oak Room and The Recall. [ 1 , 4 , 5 ]
Mitte had cerebral palsy, which was reflected in his Breaking Bad character. His representatives said he used his experience to promote disability awareness and inclusion, serving as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. They said he also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropy and community initiatives. CBS News reported that he advocated for expanded Hollywood roles for people with disabilities and partnered last year with Can Do Canines, which helps provide service dogs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. [ 4 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Mitte's representatives described his work promoting disability awareness and inclusion alongside his acting career. He had cerebral palsy and advocated for greater representation and opportunities for people with disabilities in Hollywood.
Key facts
- Mitte died at age 34, his representatives confirmed. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- He died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, NBC News reported, citing the local justice of the peace. [ 5 ]
- CNN reported that an investigation was ongoing. [ 2 ]
- Mitte played Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on Breaking Bad. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- He had cerebral palsy and advocated for disability rights. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- His representatives said he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Mitte died at 34, and his representatives confirmed his death. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- He was known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Mitte had cerebral palsy and advocated for disability rights. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- His representatives said he was an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- The cause and circumstances of Mitte's death. IGN relayed TMZ's report of suicide, while CBS News and NBC News said a cause was not provided; CNN reported an ongoing investigation.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Mitte was declared dead, according to the justice of the peace quoted by NBC News. [ 5 ]
- CNN reported confirmation from the justice of the peace's office and an ongoing investigation. [ 2 ]
- NBC News reported the Brownsville location, undisclosed cause and representatives' request for family privacy. [ 5 ]