'Breaking Bad' actor RJ Mitte dies at 34; co-stars mourn his death
Actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in the acclaimed crime drama Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34, prompting tributes from his co-stars and fellow actors.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy and became an advocate for disability rights in Hollywood, died by suicide in Texas on Monday, US entertainment website TMZ reported.
"It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," his representative told TMZ.
The representative said Mitte had also served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's.
Mitte was 13 when he auditioned for Breaking Bad and 14 when he shot the pilot episode. Created by Vince Gilligan, the series aired from 2008 to 2013 and became a global hit, with Mitte appearing in 56 episodes as Walter White Jr, the son of Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn's characters.
Cranston, who played Walter White, paid an emotional tribute to his on-screen son, saying they had been planning to meet for lunch just weeks ago.
"I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on 'Breaking Bad' has died," Cranston wrote on Instagram.
Recalling Mitte's early days on the show, Cranston said the young actor approached the demanding shooting schedule with determination and enthusiasm.
"Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever- allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything," he wrote, adding that Mitte listened to advice from his television parents but sometimes chose to learn lessons on his own.
Cranston said Mitte grew from an inexperienced young performer into a fine actor and used his experiences in the industry to speak up for performers with disabilities.
Reflecting on his death, Cranston wrote that the loss of Mitte's promise and potential was devastating.
"I'll miss you, son," he said.
Dean Norris, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader in the series, also expressed shock and grief.
"Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed," Norris wrote.
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, said he was heartbroken by the news.
"RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," Paul said in a statement to Deadline, urging people reading his message to remember that they are loved and not alone.
Mitte's Switched at Birth co-star Leah Thompson also remembered him as joyous, professional, kind and talented, saying his work had inspired many.
Beyond Breaking Bad, Mitte appeared in projects including The Oak Room, The Guardians of Justice and Triumph. His final public appearance was with Breaking Bad co-star Luis Moncada at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte suffered brain damage at birth and was adopted. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three.
He was engaged to his long-term partner, Kennedy Suarez, whom he had been dating since 2018.
