‘Breaking Bad’ Actor RJ Mitte Dies at 34, Cause of Death Confirmed
For 5 seasons, RJ Mitte was a constant presence at the heart of ‘Breaking Bad’. As Walter White Jr., the teenage son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White and Anna Gunn’s Skyler, he gave Vince Gilligan’s acclaimed drama much of its emotional grounding, appearing in 56 episodes between 2008 and 2013.
Like his character, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, he suffered brain damage at birth, was adopted weeks later, and was diagnosed with the condition at age 3, experiences that later shaped his work as a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.
Mitte died at the age of 34. He died on Monday, October 12, in Texas. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” a representative for the actor said in a statement confirmed to Variety.
Subsequent reports, citing a county official, said his death was ruled a suicide. Authorities have said an investigation remains ongoing. Before ‘Breaking Bad’, Mitte worked as a background actor on shows like ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Everybody Hates Chris’.
He has recalled being one of the last main cast members to join the AMC series, describing the audition process as one of the longest of his life. The role changed everything. ‘Breaking Bad’ became one of the most celebrated dramas in television history, earning 16 Emmys, including 2 for Outstanding Drama Series.
Mitte shared in the cast’s Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding drama ensemble in 2014. He also received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award in 2013 for his portrayal of Walt Jr.
After the series ended, he went on to appear in ‘Switched at Birth’, ‘The Guardians of Justice’, ‘The Oak Room’ and ‘House of Last Things’. At the time of his death, he had been promoting his new film, ‘Talking to Strangers’, appearing on podcasts just days earlier.
Away from the screen, Mitte dedicated much of his life to advocacy. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He was also president of the Mitte Foundation, which supported philanthropic efforts and worked to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.
Throughout his career, he used his platform to push for greater inclusion in Hollywood and to speak out against bullying. Tributes have poured in from his ‘Breaking Bad’ family. Cranston shared a heartfelt Instagram post mourning the actor he called his sweet son on the show, saying he loved him and would miss him.
Aaron Paul and Dean Norris were among the other castmates who paid tribute. Many remembered Mitte as kind, talented, and gone far too soon. Mitte is survived by his fiancée, Kennedy Suarez, whom he had been dating since 2018. His loss has deeply affected fans who grew up watching him and who were inspired by his advocacy.
For many viewers, Walt Jr. represented the heart of a show defined by moral darkness. Off screen, Mitte brought that same warmth to his work championing others. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available; in the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and international readers can find local support services through their national helplines.
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