RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad and a prominent disability rights advocate, died on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Brownsville, Texas. He was 34.
Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told the Associated Press she declared Mitte dead at about 1:30 p.m. at what she believed was his home. An autopsy will be performed. His representatives confirmed the death in a statement.
TMZ reported the cause of death was suicide, citing a county official. Law enforcement officials said the investigation is ongoing. Mitte’s representatives confirmed to People that he died by suicide.
Representatives Confirm Death
Mitte’s publicist, Sean Reilly, released a statement. ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,’ the statement said.
The statement also said Mitte ‘brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.’ His family has requested privacy.
Career and Breaking Bad Role
Mitte was born Roy Frank Mitte III. He started his career with minor roles in sitcoms including Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana. In 2008, he landed the role of Walter White Jr. on AMC’s Breaking Bad at age 15.
He appeared in 56 episodes of the series, which aired from 2008 to 2013. The show starred Bryan Cranston as his on-screen father, a chemistry teacher who becomes a drug kingpin. The cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series in 2014.
Mitte also appeared in Switched at Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse, and Chance. His film credits include The Recall, The Oak Room, Triumph, and Time Share. He was set to appear in the horror film One Eye Open, scheduled for release on October 16.
Disability Advocacy
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3. He used crutches and leg braces as a child. His condition was less severe than his Breaking Bad character’s, but he drew on his experience for the role.
He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He was president of The Mitte Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships. He also served on SAG-AFTRA’s Performers with Disabilities Committee.
In a 2015 interview, Mitte said, ‘Cerebral palsy and mental health go hand in hand because when you have a physical disability you’re twice as likely to be bullied.’ He also said, ‘One thing I’ve learned from my disability is that when there is an obstacle, you adapt and grow.’
Tributes from Co-Stars
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s father on Breaking Bad, paid tribute on Instagram. ‘I’ll miss you, son,’ Cranston wrote.
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, said in a statement, ‘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.’
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, wrote on social media, ‘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.’
Marlee Matlin wrote, ‘My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte.’ Lea Thompson described Mitte as ‘joyous, professional, and kind’ and said his work had inspired many.
Recent Work and Personal Life
In the weeks before his death, Mitte was promoting his film Talking to Strangers. He made his last public appearance on September 30 at a screening in Beverly Hills. He also appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast on October 5, where he discussed his time on Breaking Bad.
On the podcast, Mitte said, ‘With the work I’ve done, with people with disabilities and equal opportunity, employment and advocacy and really just trying to remind people that they have a voice and lend my voice, that’s really the greatest thing that Breaking Bad has given me.’
Mitte was engaged to Kennedy Suarez. He proposed in October 2025 at a charity gala benefiting United Cerebral Palsy. On Valentine’s Day this year, he shared a video of the couple with the caption, ‘Love transcends all. Go out and share yours.’
