American actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, best known for portraying Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.
Mitte’s death was confirmed on Monday by his representative and authorities in Texas, according to reports by the Associated Press and CBS News.
Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told the Associated Press that Mitte was pronounced dead at approximately 1:30 p.m. at a residence believed to be his home in Brownsville, Texas.
Hinojosa said the cause of death had not been established and that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
While celebrity news outlet TMZ reported that a county official told it Mitte died by suicide, the cause of death had not been officially confirmed in the Associated Press and CBS News reports. Authorities also indicated that the investigation was ongoing.
Mitte gained international recognition for playing Walter White Jr., the son of chemistry teacher-turned-drug kingpin Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, in Breaking Bad. He appeared in 56 episodes of the AMC crime drama, which ran for five seasons and became one of television’s most celebrated series.
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His performance was particularly significant because Mitte, like his character, lived with cerebral palsy. He used his experience and growing public profile to advocate for greater disability awareness, inclusion and representation in the entertainment industryi.
In a statement announcing his death, his representatives described him as a beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate, noting that his work helped challenge stereotypes and promote better representation for people with disabilities.
Beyond Breaking Bad, Mitte appeared in several film and television productions, including The Oak Room, The Recall and The Guardians of Justice. He also worked to promote charitable causes and support people living with disabilities.
Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, while also leading the Mitte Foundation, an initiative focused on charitable work and challenging misconceptions about people with disabilities.
His advocacy was closely linked to his personal experience with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination. Through his acting career and public engagements, he helped broaden conversations about the opportunities available to performers with disabilities in Hollywood.
Mitte was engaged to his longtime partner, Kennedy Suarez, after proposing to her in 2025, according to reports. His death has brought renewed attention to his work on screen and his efforts to advance disability inclusion.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, his cause of death remains officially undetermined in reports from the Associated Press and CBS News.