10 Photos of RJ Mitte: 'Breaking Bad' Star Who Played Walter White Jr. Dies at 34 as Tributes Pour In

RJ Mitte, who brought Walter White Jr to life across all five seasons of Breaking Bad, has died aged 34. His representatives confirmed his death on Monday, 12 October, saying the actor had died in Brownsville, Texas.

Mitte played the son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White and Anna Gunn's Skyler White in the acclaimed AMC drama. Like his character, he had cerebral palsy, drawing on his experiences to deliver a performance that made him recognisable to audiences worldwide.

His representatives described him as a 'beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate' and asked the public to respect the privacy of his family and loved ones.

RJ Mitte's Breakthrough Role in Breaking Bad

Created by Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad follows Walter White, a chemistry teacher who begins manufacturing illegal drugs after receiving a cancer diagnosis. As his criminal activities escalate, his relationships with his wife and son deteriorate.

Mitte played Walter White Jr, also known as Flynn, who struggles to understand the changes in his father and the growing tensions within his family. He appeared in 56 episodes during the show's run from 2008 to 2013.

The role placed Mitte at the centre of the drama's family story. Walter Jr's affection for his father, clashes with his parents and eventual response to Walter's actions gave the character a distinct place in a series dominated by its criminal world.

How Cerebral Palsy Shaped His Career and Advocacy

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child. The condition affects movement and coordination, although its symptoms and severity vary between individuals.

His experience informed his portrayal of Walter Jr but his work on disability representation extended beyond the screen. He became an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, supporting disability awareness and care.

Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic initiatives and community projects. His advocacy focused on challenging stereotypes and encouraging the entertainment industry to create more opportunities for performers with disabilities.

In 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the Media Access Awards. The honour recognised his contribution to disability representation and his efforts to promote more authentic portrayals of disabled people on screen.

His Career Beyond the AMC Drama

Although Breaking Bad remained his best-known project, Mitte continued to work across film and television after the series ended.

His television credits included Switched at Birth and The Guardians of Justice, while his film work included The Recall and The Oak Room.

His later projects included Talking to Strangers, a film he was promoting shortly before his death. He also appeared on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, discussing his auditions for Breaking Bad and the show's enduring cultural impact.

Those appearances gave audiences further insight into his experience of joining the series and developing the character that first brought him international recognition.

Tributes Highlight His Legacy

In announcing his death, Mitte's representatives described him as a 'beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate'. They highlighted his acting career and his work promoting disability awareness and inclusion.

His representatives also asked the public to respect the privacy of his family and loved ones.