Breaking Bad Actor and Disability Advocate RJ Mitte Dies at 34

RJ Mitte, the American actor who rose to fame as Walter "Flynn" White Jr. in the television drama *Breaking Bad* and became a leading voice for disability rights, has died. He was 34.

 

Mitte died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, his representatives confirmed. Entertainment Weekly was among the outlets that reported the news.

 

In a statement, the representatives paid tribute to him as an actor, philanthropist and campaigner.

 

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

 

"At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte's family and close ones," it added.

 

The statement did not give a cause of death. Variety later reported that a representative said Mitte had died by suicide. Brownsville police said the cause and manner of death were still pending, and a Cameron County justice of the peace said an autopsy would be performed, according to the Associated Press.

 

Mitte won international recognition for playing the son of Walter White, the chemistry teacher portrayed by Bryan Cranston in the acclaimed crime drama.

 

The series, which aired from 2008 to 2013, followed White as he turned to manufacturing illegal drugs after being diagnosed with cancer.

 

Mitte appeared throughout the show's run, and his portrayal of a teenager living with cerebral palsy drew wide praise.

 

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, Mitte used his public profile to raise awareness of disability and to push for inclusion and more authentic representation of people living with disabilities.

 

He supported disability-related causes and worked with organisations including United Cerebral Palsy, for which he served as an ambassador.

 

News of his death has renewed attention on his contributions to television and to disability advocacy.