Actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.
According to US entertainment website TMZ, Mitte died by suicide in Texas on Monday.
Mitte was just 14 when he was cast in the pilot episode of Breaking Bad. He went on to appear in 56 episodes of the popular series.
The actor had cerebral palsy and used his platform to advocate for greater representation of disabled actors in Hollywood.
His representative announced his death, describing him as a beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for disability rights.
The representative also said Mitte had served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, while remaining a source of joy to friends and family around the world.
Mitte auditioned for this series created by Vince Gilligan at the age of 13. He was 14 when he filmed its pilot episode.
Breaking Bad brought its cast worldwide recognition. Mitte worked on the series with Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn. The two played his on-screen parents in the series.
Mitte later also worked in The Oak Room, The Guardians of Justice and Triumph.
The actor’s last public appearance was at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta with his Breaking Bad co-star Luis Moncada.
Bryan Cranston expressed grief
Bryan Cranston expressed his grief over RJ Mitte’s death. He said the two had been planning to meet for lunch just a few weeks ago.
Cranston wrote in a tribute, “I am deeply saddened as I write this tonight. My beloved son from Breaking Bad, RJ Mitte, has passed away.”
He wrote, “I met him when he was just 14 years old. He was cast as Walter White Jr. He played the role with joy and enthusiasm.”
Cranston said, “Despite being born with cerebral palsy, RJ never allowed the challenge to become an excuse for anything.”
He went on to write, “He faced the demanding filming schedule with great determination. He always listened to the advice he received from his TV mother, Anna Gunn, and me.”
“But as a teenager, he would sometimes mischievously ignore our advice. He wanted to learn the hard way. He was one of the stars of a hit TV show, but he was still a child.”
Cranston said that when Mite was associated with the team, he was inexperienced in acting. He later became an excellent actor.
He said Mite used his experience on the show to speak out openly for disabled actors.
Cranston wrote, “All his promise and potential are now lost. It is deeply sad to know that he took his own life. Why?”