Bryan Cranston Mourns 'Breaking Bad' Co-Star RJ Mitte, Who Has Died at 34

RJ Mitte, widely recognized for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 34. A representative confirmed the news, stating, "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte." The American actor died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas.

Mitte was a fixture in all five seasons of the AMC hit drama, which aired from 2008 to 2013, playing the teenage son of Bryan Cranston's character, a chemistry teacher who becomes a drug dealer. Mirroring his character, Flynn, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy. This role not only brought him international acclaim but also served as a significant platform for his advocacy for individuals with disabilities, particularly in pushing for greater representation within the entertainment industry.

Bryan Cranston was among the first to pay tribute, sharing his memories of Mitte's dedication to acting and their shared time on set. "I’ll miss you, son," Cranston posted on Instagram. Aaron Paul, who starred as Jesse Pinkman, also conveyed his sorrow, saying, "RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed." Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, reminisced about looking out for Mitte as a young actor on set and emphasized how much he would be missed.

Tributes also poured in from his co-stars on the series Switched at Birth, including actress and fellow disability rights advocate Marlee Matlin. "My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte," she wrote on Instagram. Lea Thompson, who also collaborated with Mitte on Switched at Birth, remembered him as "joyous, professional, and kind," noting that his work had inspired many.

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. He relocated to Los Angeles in 2006 and secured minor television roles before joining the cast of Breaking Bad as a teenager. He appeared in 56 episodes and was part of the ensemble that received the Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding ensemble in a drama series in 2014.

Mitte's subsequent television work included appearances on Switched at Birth, Now Apocalypse, and The Guardians of Justice. On the film front, he featured in projects such as The Recall and The Oak Room. In the 2021 drama Triumph, he portrayed a high school student with cerebral palsy aspiring to become a wrestler, continuing his commitment to portraying characters whose experiences resonated with his own.

Beyond his acting career, Mitte dedicated himself to philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and as president of the Mitte Foundation, which supported various community and philanthropic initiatives. His representatives underscored his commitment to challenging stereotypes and enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities.