RJ Mitte’s Representative Confirms the ‘Breaking Bad’ Star’s Cause of Death
The entertainment world has spent the past day mourning RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on AMC’s ‘Breaking Bad’. Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy like his character, became a passionate advocate for people with disabilities after the series made him a household name.
His representatives first announced his death on Monday, October 12, describing him as a beloved actor, philanthropist, and disability rights advocate. Mitte was 34 years old. On Monday evening, Mitte’s representative confirmed to People that the actor died by suicide in Texas. The confirmation followed earlier reports citing a county official.
The Brownsville Police Department said at the time that the cause and manner of death were still pending as part of an ongoing investigation. According to reports, there were no signs of foul play, and an autopsy is expected to be performed.
Mitte starred in all 5 seasons of ‘Breaking Bad’, which ran from 2008 to 2013. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3, and he drew on his own experiences to bring Walt Jr. to life.
After the series ended, he recurred in Season 3 of Freeform’s ‘Switched at Birth’ as Campbell Bingman. He also appeared in shows including ‘Vegas’, ‘Chance’, ‘This Close’ and ‘Now Apocalypse’.
At the time of his death, Mitte had several projects in development and production. He had been actively promoting his new film, ‘Talking to Strangers’, and attended a screening of it on September 30.
Beyond acting, Mitte dedicated much of his life to advocacy. He served as a Screen Actors Guild spokesperson for actors with disabilities and as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
He was also president of The Mitte Foundation, which supported community initiatives and worked to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities. Through his work, he pushed for greater representation in Hollywood.
Mitte also spoke openly about mental health over the years. In a 2015 interview, he noted that people with physical disabilities are more likely to face bullying, linking the experience of disability closely to mental health.
His former co-stars have shared heartfelt tributes. Bryan Cranston, who played his on-screen father, remembered meeting Mitte when he joined the show at 14 and praised his determination while living with cerebral palsy.
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, recalled looking out for Mitte on set when he was young. He described him as a sweet young man and said he would be greatly missed. Mitte got engaged to his partner, Kennedy Suarez, in October 2025, about a year before his death. Fans around the world have shared memories of his performance and his advocacy work.
His death has also sparked conversations about mental health and the importance of reaching out for support. Many have encouraged anyone who may be struggling to know that help is available and that they are not alone.
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the U.S., or contact a local crisis service, a trusted person, or a healthcare professional.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
