R.J. Mitte, Breaking Bad's Walter Jr, dies at 34
R.J. Mitte, who played Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on Breaking Bad, died by suicide at age 34.
His representative confirmed the cause of death to The Hollywood Reporter. Mitte died Monday in Brownsville, Texas. A county official confirmed the death in Texas to TMZ, which first reported the news on Oct. 12.
Law enforcement said the investigation remains ongoing, according to TMZ. Reports said Mitte died at his home in Texas.
Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad, according to TMZ. He had cerebral palsy, as did his character, and became an advocate for disability representation. Breaking Bad, an Emmy-winning series, concluded in 2013 after a five-season run.
Anna Gunn, who played Skyler White, Mitte’s on-screen mother, released a statement Wednesday. She said she first met Mitte when he was 14 years old.
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, spoke about Mitte’s death on TalkShopLive during a previously scheduled livestream held after the news broke. He had appeared to promote signed copies of his upcoming book, Do What You’re Gonna Do: The Definitive Oral History of Breaking Bad, scheduled for release Nov. 17.
“We’re all just shocked and in deep despair,” Norris said. He urged people experiencing suicidal ideation to seek help via suicide hotlines. He added: “Rest in peace, R.J. Sweet, sweet boy, I’m going to miss you a lot.”
Norris said he last saw Mitte about three weeks before his death at a fan expo convention signing. He said Mitte’s passing “will forever change the dynamic of our cast.” He also said he plans to devote his book tour to Mitte and donate in connection with his Celebrity Wheel of Fortune appearance to a charity dealing with suicide.
Tributes also came from other co-stars. Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, paid tribute following Mitte’s death, according to The National. Aaron Paul paid tribute, and Matt Jones paid tribute in an emotional message reported by TMZ.
