Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte has died, aged 34.
A county official confirmed to TMZ that Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in the hit series from 2008 to 2013, died on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) in Texas.
RJ Mitte played Walter White’s son in Breaking Bad. Ursula Coyote/AMC
His death investigation is ongoing.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representatives said in a statement to Deadline.
“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
Breaking Bad co-stars pay tribute
Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, was one of the first to pay tribute to Mitte.
“I am at a loss,” Paul said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Actor Aaron Paul shared an emotional public tribute following the death of his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte. Getty Images/Kevin Winter
Dean Norris, who played Hank Shrader, was shocked by the news of Mitte’s death.
“Oh my God! Was working just found about RJ I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set,” Norris wrote on social media.
“He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Norris remembered Mitte as a “sweetheart of a young man”. Getty Images/Andrew H. Walker
Mitte’s advocacy and life beyond TV
Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad, and was also known for his work in Switched at Birth, Now Apocalypse and The Guardians of Justice.
Mitte announced his engagement to partner Kennedy Suarez in 2025.
He proposed during his appearance at the 56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit to raise money for charity United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego.
“I’m thrilled to have found my person, my partner in life who makes me want to be better, no matter what we’re doing,” he told People last year.
“Kennedy is my everything and I can’t wait to officially start our life together and see what adventures life takes us on next.”
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, was a long-time advocate for disability support and awareness.
RJ Mitte and fiancee Kennedy Suarez pictured in November 2025. Getty
He was born and raised by adopted parents in Jackson, Mississippi, and diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three years old.
Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and he was the president of his own charity, the Mitte Foundation, which supported various philanthropic efforts while challenging stereotypes about people with disabilities.
In an interview with Future of Personal Health last year, he said: “Disability is part of my story, but it doesn’t define my story. I want young people, disabled or not, to know their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and there is always a place for them in this world.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, was a long-time advocate for disability support and awareness. Getty
Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn and RJ Mitte in Breaking Bad. AMC
“Living with CP gives me a deep understanding of how my body works, how it moves, and how it adapts. I try to bring that authenticity into every character.
“I also look for filmmakers who want to represent people with disabilities living full, rewarding, fulfilling lives, not defined by their diagnosis but shaped by their humanity.”
Just days ago, Mitte recalled how his role on Breaking Bad materialised.
“My character was written with someone with cerebral palsy. This was from the beginning, that was always the case,” Mitte said on The Joe Vulpis Podcast.
RJ Mitte at his final public appearance, a screening of his film Talking To Strangers on September 30. Getty
“Walt Jr. was based on a real person, a friend of (Breaking Bad creator) Vince Gilligan in college who had cerebral palsy, who used forearm crutches and sometime after passed away. So it really felt real playing this character and getting into the groove with this character.”
His most recent credit was starring opposite Lin Yin in Talking to Strangers.
The drama even had a red-carpet screening less than a fortnight ago on September 30, which he attended.
He wrote on Facebook at the time: “Had the pleasure of attending the LA premiere for a film I made, Talking to Strangers The Movie, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
“It’s got a little love, some comedy, and maybe even some drama. Go check it out.”
Mitte is survived by his fiancee, parents, and younger sister Lacianne.
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