RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the hit AMC series “Breaking Bad,” has passed away at age 34.
The Jackson native is reported to have died in Texas on Monday. His cause of death is believed to be suicide, though law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate.
“It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the deceased’s representatives stated to multiple media outlets.
Mitte was born in Mississippi in 1992 and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 3 years old. He later relocated to Los Angeles and worked with a personal talent manager to find acting opportunities that would allow his disability to educate viewing audiences.
His early acting roles included appearances in “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Hannah Montana.” In 2008, he broke out onto the scene for his role as Walt Jr. alongside Bryan Cranston, who played chemist-turned-drug lord Walter White, in the Emmy-winning crime drama’s five-season run.
Beyond his acting career, Mitte was an advocate for those with disabilities. He was the Screen Actors Guild’s spokesman for actors with disabilities and an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s Hospital in Texas.
He was also president of The Mitte Foundation, which serves to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives for those with disabilities. Mitte, personally, used his platform to speak out against stigmas and stereotypes linked to disabilities.