Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte dies

RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in the Emmy-winning drama Breaking Bad, has died aged thirty four in Brownsville, Texas on Monday.

Mitte took his own life

His publicist confirmed that he took his own life. His representative said he was a beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate.

He had cerebral palsy

Mitte had cerebral palsy and drew on his own experience for his role as Walter Flynn White Jr. He never allowed his condition to be an excuse for anything.

Bryan Cranston leads tributes

Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, said he met Mitte when he was fourteen years old during the pilot shoot in February of two thousand seven.

“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.”

Cranston on Mitte's advocacy

Cranston praised Mitte's work for performers with disabilities and said all his promise and potential was now such a loss. He added it was especially devastating to hear he took his own life.

“I'll miss you, son.”

Mitte's disability advocacy work

Mitte served as ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. He created The Mitte Foundation to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.

Aaron Paul and Dean Norris respond

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, said he was heartbroken and urged anyone reading to know they are loved and not alone. Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, called him a sweetheart.

“RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed.”

Mitte fought for disability representation

After Breaking Bad, which aired on AMC for five seasons from two thousand eight to twenty thirteen, Mitte fought for more varied roles and complex depictions of characters with disabilities.

“Watching the awareness grow around disability representation has been great to see, but breakthroughs sometimes come in pieces and moments instead of larger change.”