RJ Mitte Dies at 34: ‘Breaking Bad’ Star Bryan Cranston Says ‘I’ll Miss You, Son’

RJ Mitte, the American actor who gained international recognition for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the hit television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.

According to reports, Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas, on Monday. His publicist confirmed to Reuters that his death was by suicide.

His representative announced the news in a statement to the BBC, describing him as a beloved actor, philanthropist and advocate for disability rights.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the representative said.

Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, brought elements of his personal experience to his role as Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s character in the critically acclaimed drama.

Cranston, who portrayed the show’s central character, Walter White, expressed his grief in a tribute posted on Instagram, remembering Mitte as a young actor who developed considerably throughout their years working together.

“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,” Cranston recalled.

“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.”

In the series, Cranston played a high school chemistry teacher whose cancer diagnosis led him into the criminal world as he attempted to secure his family’s financial future.

Cranston praised Mitte for his determination and for refusing to let cerebral palsy define or restrict his career.

He noted that the actor never allowed his condition to “be an excuse for anything”.

“All that promise and potential now is such a loss,” Cranston wrote, reflecting on their relationship both during the production of Breaking Bad and in the years after the show ended.

The actor also expressed shock and sadness over the circumstances of Mitte’s death, saying “it is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life”.

Cranston ended his heartfelt message by addressing his former on-screen son directly: “I’ll miss you, son.”

Sean Reilly, Mitte’s representative, also highlighted the actor’s lasting contribution to disability advocacy and representation.

“Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” Reilly told the BBC.

Beyond his television career, Mitte worked as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, supporting organisations dedicated to people with disabilities and children in need of specialised medical care.

He also founded The Mitte Foundation, through which he supported charitable causes and community initiatives.

Reilly said Mitte used his public platform “to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities”.

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