The entertainment world is in mourning following the tragic news that actor and activist RJ Mitte, best known for his iconic role as Walter White Jr. on AMC's critically acclaimed drama Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 34.
Mitte’s representatives confirmed his death in Brownsville, Texas, calling him a "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate." Local authorities and representatives confirmed he died by suicide at his home, leaving Hollywood, his former co-stars, and millions of fans completely heartbroken.
A Breakthrough Role and a Voice for Representation
Mitte stepped into the national spotlight in 2008 when he was cast as Flynn (Walter White Jr.) on Breaking Bad alongside Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. Like his on-screen character, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy, bringing raw authenticity, warmth, and resilience to the hit series across all five seasons.
Beyond his television work, Mitte leveraged his platform to champion inclusion in Hollywood. He served as a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, spoke out for actors with disabilities through SAG-AFTRA, and led the Mitte Foundation to fight stereotypes and empower young people.
In addition to Breaking Bad, Mitte's screen credits included Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice, The Oak Room, and recent 2026 film releases like Talking to Strangers.
Breaking Bad Co-Stars Pay Emotional Tributes
Following the tragic announcement, members of the Breaking Bad cast and Hollywood colleagues shared emotional tributes honoring their friend and co-star:
Bryan Cranston: Shared a heartfelt message honoring his TV son, remembering Mitte as someone who "never—ever—allowed his disability to be an excuse for anything," praising his unwavering determination and warmth on set.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.
Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him - but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way… He was one of the stars of a hit TV show - but still a kid.
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. He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community.
All that promise and potential now is such a loss.
It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life.
Why?
We were texting each other just a few weeks ago - figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future…
But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed…
I’ll miss you, son.
I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope.
Marlee Matlin: Who starred alongside Mitte on Switched at Birth, shared a photo with him, writing, "My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte."
Remembering RJ Mitte
RJ Mitte's legacy extends far beyond his work on screen. His groundbreaking presence on television pushed doors open for actors with disabilities, forever changing how disability is represented in mainstream media.
Our thoughts go out to his fiancé, Kennedy Suarez, his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or in distress, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential.
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