RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' actor, dies at 34, representatives confirm

RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in 'Breaking Bad,' has died at 34, his representatives confirmed on Monday, October 12. The actor lived with cerebral palsy. His cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Mitte first appeared in the series as a teenager in 2008, playing the son of Walter White, the chemistry teacher who became a drug kingpin. His representative said Mitte drew on his own experience with cerebral palsy in the role and used it to promote disability awareness and inclusion.

His advocacy included serving as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, a nonprofit hospital network. His representative said he also led The Mitte Foundation as president, supporting community and philanthropic initiatives while advocating greater representation for people with disabilities.

Bryan Cranston paid tribute on Instagram, recalling Mitte's determination in handling the show's demanding filming schedule at 14. Cranston described watching the young performer develop into a fine actor after they began shooting the pilot in February 2007.

Explore the context

Main topicUnited Cerebral Palsy →

United Cerebral Palsy, abbreviated UCP, is described in its undated organizational account as a U.S. health nonprofit whose mission concerns people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. UCP's undated mission statement identifies independence and inclusion as its goals for people with cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and other disabilities, pursued through affiliates and partnerships.

The article names United Cerebral Palsy among the organizations for which Mitte served as an ambassador. Explaining the organization's disability mission and affiliate structure gives readers background on that advocacy connection; the supplied background evidence does not independently verify his appointment.