RJ Mitte dies at 34 as Breaking Bad cast pays tribute

RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, died on October 12 at 34. His representatives announced his death Monday, according to AP.

Mitte lived with cerebral palsy, as did his character. World News CNA reported that he drew on his own experience of the condition for the role. According to Euronews, he appeared in nearly every episode across the show's five seasons.

His public work extended beyond acting. Le Monde reported that he used his fame to raise awareness of disability and promote inclusion.

On October 12, tributes began arriving from Mitte's Breaking Bad colleagues. Deadline Hollywood reported that Dean Norris, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader, remembered him on social media.

By October 13, Bryan Cranston had shared his own tribute to the actor who played his son. "I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight," he wrote, according to Variety Movies. His farewell included the words, "I'll miss you, son."

Cranston also recalled that they had recently been trying to arrange lunch. Adnkronos reported that the two had exchanged messages just weeks earlier about meeting.

Reporting on October 13 also returned to Mitte's hopes for his career. The Hollywood Reporter reported that, in his final podcast interview, he had expressed interest in reviving his Breaking Bad character. "There's always more to be told," he said.

Later coverage clarified the reported cause of death. The Daily Beast reported that Mitte's representative had confirmed he died by suicide.

The coverage now includes confirmation of Mitte's death from his representatives and reporting attributing the cause to suicide. It does not establish why he died. His cerebral palsy, career experiences and recent public appearances should not be treated as explanations.

Alongside the cast's tributes, Mitte is being remembered for his disability rights work. ABC News described him as a philanthropist and disability rights advocate, while ARD Tagesschau highlighted how he brought his lifelong experience of cerebral palsy to his acting.