The actor’s representative said Mitte died by suicide, while authorities said an official determination remained pending after an autopsy.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed television drama “Breaking Bad” and for his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, died Monday in Brownsville, Texas. He was 34.
Mitte’s representatives announced his death Oct. 12 and described him as an actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate. A publicist later confirmed that Mitte died by suicide. Brownsville police, however, said the official cause and manner of death remained pending as investigators awaited findings from a medical examination. Authorities reported no apparent signs of foul play.
The Brownsville Police Department told People that officers received a call at about 12:50 p.m. and found Mitte dead when they arrived at his home. A judge declared him dead at 1:32 p.m., according to the publication. Police said an investigation remained underway and that a medical examiner would make the official determination following an autopsy. No additional circumstances surrounding his death had been publicly released.
Mitte became widely known as Walter “Flynn” White Jr., the teenage son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White, on AMC’s “Breaking Bad.” He appeared throughout the show’s five-season run. Mitte was 14 when he was cast for the pilot, according to Cranston. Like his character, Mitte had cerebral palsy, and his own experience with the condition informed a portrayal that drew attention for showing disability as one part of a complex character rather than the character’s defining trait.
“Breaking Bad,” which aired from 2008 to 2013, followed a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after a cancer diagnosis. The series won 16 Emmy Awards, including two for outstanding drama series. Mitte’s character grew more central as the show progressed and the White family began confronting the consequences of Walter White’s criminal life.
Outside the series, Mitte continued acting in film and television. His credits included “Switched at Birth,” “Standing Up for Sunny,” “Triumph,” “The Recall,” “The Oak Room” and “The Guardians of Justice.” In “Triumph,” he played a high school wrestler with cerebral palsy. Shortly before his death, he had been promoting the film “Talking to Strangers,” including appearances and interviews connected with the project.
Mitte also became a prominent advocate for disability inclusion in entertainment. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and worked on employment and representation issues affecting performers with disabilities. His representatives said he used his public profile to challenge stereotypes and promote wider opportunities for people with disabilities. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, which supported philanthropic and community programs.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3. He used leg braces and crutches during parts of his childhood but later no longer needed walking devices. His experience became closely connected to his advocacy work, which focused on expanding public understanding of disability and improving representation on screen.
Several of Mitte’s “Breaking Bad” co-stars publicly mourned his death. Cranston said he first met Mitte when the younger actor was 14 and remembered his determination during the series’ demanding production schedule. Bob Odenkirk, who played Saul Goodman, remembered Mitte as someone who approached others with positivity and a desire to connect. Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader, also described his former co-star as a kind young man who would be deeply missed.
As of Wednesday, Brownsville authorities had not announced a final medical ruling on Mitte’s death. His representative’s statement identified his death as suicide, while police said the official cause and manner would be determined through the continuing investigation and medical examination.
Author note: Last updated October 14, 2026.