Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte dies at age 34 in Texas

American actor RJ Mitte has died at the age of 34 in Brownsville, Texas, according to multiple news outlets including BBC News, the South China Morning Post, and UPI. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa declared Mitte dead at approximately 1:30 pm on Monday at what was believed to be his home, the South China Morning Post reported. Representatives for the actor confirmed his passing in statements provided to media outlets, BBC News and UPI said. [1][3][4]

Outlets differed on the cause of death. BBC News and UPI reported that no immediate cause of death was provided by his representatives. However, the Daily Mail reported that the actor died by suicide. [1][2][4]

Mitte was best known for his breakthrough role as Walter White Jr, the son of Bryan Cranston's character Walter White, in the drama series Breaking Bad. BBC News reported that Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, drew on his own experience for the role and won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014 for his work on the series. [1][2][6][7][13]

Roy Frank "RJ" Mitte III was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. He moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue acting opportunities where his disability could educate viewers. [13][14]

In a statement quoted by BBC News and UPI, Mitte's representative described him as a beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate. The Daily Mail noted that Mitte appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast on October 5 in what was filmed as his final interview before his death. [1][2][4]