RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter "Flynn" White Jr. on "Breaking Bad," has died at 34, his representatives confirmed. Beyond the role that made him famous, he spent his career speaking up for people with disabilities.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, played the son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White across all five seasons of the AMC drama. His own life experience shaped the character, and his representative said it gave the role authenticity. The show's cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award for best drama ensemble in 2014. His other credits include "Switched at Birth," "The Guardians of Justice," and "The Oak Room."
Off screen, he was an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and worked with Shriners Children's on its anti-bullying campaign. He also led The Mitte Foundation, which supports education, health, and scholarship programs in South Texas. Last year, he partnered with Can Do Canines, a group that provides service dogs.
On the question of how he died, no official cause has been announced. TMZ, citing a county official, reported that he died in Texas on Monday, Oct. 12, and that it was suicide. Law enforcement says the investigation is ongoing, and his representatives have not confirmed a cause. They asked the public to respect the privacy of his family and close ones.
Anyone struggling with hard thoughts can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, in the U.S. Outside the U.S., findahelpline.com lists local support.
As fans remember him, many turn to Scripture for comfort. Psalm 34:18 says, "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart" (KJV). May his family find peace and strength in the days ahead.
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