Jackson native RJ Mitte, the actor and disability rights advocate best known for playing Walter White Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” died Monday at age 34, authorities and his representatives said.
Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told The Associated Press that she pronounced Mitte dead at about 1:30 p.m. at what she believed was his home in Brownsville, Texas. She said she could not provide a cause of death and that an autopsy would be performed.
Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s chemistry teacher-turned-methamphetamine dealer, Walter White, throughout nearly all five seasons of the AMC series. The show, which aired from 2008 to 2013, was recently ranked the best television series of the 21st century in a New York Times poll.
Cranston said he was in “deep despair” over the loss of his “sweet son.”
“I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm,” Cranston said in a Facebook post Monday night. “Born with cerebral palsy, he never — ever — allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.”
Mitte told the AP in 2014 that his experiences with cerebral palsy, including physical therapy, family challenges and significant medical expenses, helped him bring greater authenticity to his work.
“You develop a different mentality and you develop a different look at how the world sees you and how you see the world,” he said. “You’re able to use that. And I think it’s an asset instead of something that would hinder.”
Jackson roots
Born and raised in Jackson, Mitte moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue acting. After landing small guest roles on sitcoms, he was cast in “Breaking Bad” in 2007, before the series premiered the following year.
“That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot,” Cranston said in his post, “but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor.”
Cranston said he continued to cherish their relationship after the series ended.
“I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on ‘Breaking Bad’ dimmed,” he said.
In a statement announcing his death, Mitte’s representatives said he “brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.” They added that he used his public profile to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation.
Mitte’s later acting credits included the ABC Family series “Switched at Birth” and the superhero satire series “Guardians of Justice.” He also produced several independent films.
Beyond acting, Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He also led the Mitte Foundation, which supported philanthropic and community initiatives related to disabilities.
