RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. on AMC's much-acclaimed series Breaking Bad, has died. News of his death was shared today in an official statement by his representatives, remembering the "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate." He was 34. No immediate cause of death was given, and an investigation by law enforcement is ongoing in Brownsville, Texas.
Born on August 21, 1992, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age and made disability awareness and inclusion a big part of his career. His roles in Hollywood were limited at first, including a small, uncredited turn in Disney Channel's Hannah Montana, but that all changed when he was brought onto the Bryan Cranston-led Emmy juggernaut as his on-screen son. Playing Walt Jr., who also had cerebral palsy, gave Mitte a chance to draw on real experience and lend a sense of authenticity to the role. As part of Breaking Bad, he shared in the cast's Best Ensemble win at the then-SAG Awards in 2014 and was also nominated for a Young Artist award. He remained close with his on-screen family and other co-stars well after the series finale in 2013, having appeared in 56 episodes of Vince Gilligan's megahit.
Mitte's career took off after playing Walt Jr., particularly on the big screen, where he'd star in Undertone producer Cody Calahan's psychological thriller The Oak Room, the Wesley Snipes-led alien invasion flick The Recall, and the inspirational Triumph about a high schooler with cerebral palsy setting out to prove he can be a wrestler before graduating. His final role was opposite Lin Yin in the indie drama Talking to Strangers, directed by Johnny Severin. On the small screen, Mitte's most extensive roles outside of Breaking Bad came in the teen drama Switched at Birth in 2014 and under Castlevania producer and Devil May Cry creator Adi Shankar in his superhero series, The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).
Our condolences go out to Mitte's friends and family at this time.
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