LOS ANGELES (Kashmir English): Actor RJ Mitte, who played the role of Walter White Jr., the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin in the landmark television series Breaking Bad, died on Monday at age 34.
Mitte’s talent management agency announced his death in Brownsville, Texas.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative said in the announcement.
The actor’s representative later confirmed news reports that Mitte took his own life. No further details about the circumstances were given.
Mitte was best known for his role on the TV series “Breaking Bad,” playing the only son of Cranston’s lead character, Walter White, a terminally ill high school teacher who descends into a secret life of crime cooking crystal meth.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. His character also had the condition, although the performance required Mitte to portray more pronounced symptoms.
Away from acting, Mitte served as a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and advocated for greater opportunities for performers with disabilities.
Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston voiced his “deep despair” over the death of his “sweet son” on social media.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Monday night, Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, saying he was a “fine actor” and “vocal advocate for performers with disabilities.”
“It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life,” Cranston wrote, adding he and Mitte “were texting each other just a few weeks ago” about possibly meeting for lunch.
