RJ Mitte: Hollywood Reacts To The Death Of 'Kind, Talented' Breaking Bad Star At 34
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. on AMC's "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," his reps confirm to TVLine. "Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role [of Walter White Jr.] and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."
As the statement reminds us, Mitte was more than just an actor. "He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities."
Mitte played son to Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn for all five seasons of "Breaking Bad." Following his time on the AMC crime drama Mitte recurred on ABC Family's "Switched at Birth," playing Campbell Bigman. He also landed roles on shows like Starz's "Now Apocalypse" and CBS' "Vegas," and even voiced the character of Walter White Jr. in an episode of Cartoon Network's "Robot Chicken."
Now, those who were fortunate enough to know and work with Mitte are speaking out about his tragic passing. Read tributes to the late actor below:
RJ Mitte remembered as 'kind, thoughtful, and talented'
Aaron Paul, who starred on "Breaking Bad" as Jesse Pinkman, says he's "heartbroken" and "at a loss" over the news of Mitte's death. "RJ, I love you my friend," Paul says in a statement. "You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that."
Dean Norris, who played Mitte's TV uncle Hank Schrader on "Breaking Bad," is also in disbelief at the loss of his former co-star. "Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set," Norris says. "He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can't believe it. Thinking of him and his family."
William Mark McCullough, who played RJ Mitte's dad in the 2023 movie "The Unseen," writes in an Instagram comment that he "found him to be kind, thoughtful, and talented," adding, "This hits hard."
Jennifer A. Goodman, who wrote "The Unseen" and also played Mitte's sister in the film, adds that the actor's death is "beyond devastating. ... He was such giving actor, and brought such talent to the screen and off. He will be missed."
Niko Pepaj ("S.W.A.T.") also starred alongside Mitte in the 2017 movie "The Recall," and writes in an Instagram comment that he's "shattered" over this news, adding, "You broke my heart brother."
How will you choose to remember Mitte? Drop a comment with your favorite moment from his years of performances below.