R.J. Mitte, Breaking Bad's Walter White Jr, dies aged 34

R.J. Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died aged 34. His representatives announced his death on Monday, according to NBC News.

He died in Brownsville, Texas, according to The Hollywood Reporter. No cause of death has been made public. His representatives did not reveal further details.

Mitte played Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad. The AMC series ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The role made him a familiar face to viewers across the full run of the show.

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Throughout his career, he advocated for disability rights, according to Yahoo. He spoke about his own experience and used his public profile to support greater inclusion.

Tributes from former co-stars followed the announcement. Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, shared a statement with The Hollywood Reporter. “I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”

Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, also paid tribute following news of Mitte’s death. “Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”

Both statements were shared with The Hollywood Reporter as news of the death circulated on Monday. Norris recalled looking out for Mitte when he was young on set. Paul directed part of his message to anyone reading it.

What makes this stand out is the tone of those tributes, which remember a young actor held with clear affection by the people who worked alongside him. His work on the series, and his advocacy beyond it, reached audiences well beyond a single role.