Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte dies at 34

American actor RJ Mitte, known for playing Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed drama series Breaking Bad, died at age 34 on October 12. According to TMZ, authorities in Texas are investigating the death as a suicide. His representatives confirmed his death but did not initially disclose the cause.

Mitte was born in Louisiana and moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to support his younger sister's acting career. He appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad across all five seasons from 2008 to 2013, playing the son of chemistry teacher Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston). Like his character, Mitte had cerebral palsy from birth—a condition caused by oxygen deprivation to his brain during delivery that affected his motor control and muscle coordination. He drew on his personal experience to bring authenticity to the role, which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014.

Beyond acting, Mitte was a vocal advocate for people with disabilities and used his platform to challenge stereotypes. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and founded The Mitte Foundation to support charitable initiatives and promote inclusive representation. In a podcast appearance earlier in October, he reflected on how Breaking Bad changed his life and his friendship with castmates including Aaron Paul.

Mitte was engaged to Kennedy Suarez, whom he proposed to in 2025. Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013, is widely regarded as one of the best television dramas of the 21st century, earning 16 Emmy Awards from 58 nominations.