LOS ANGELES: Actor RJ Mitte, whose personal experience living with cerebral palsy informed his role as Walter White Jr, the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin in the landmark television series Breaking Bad, died on Monday at age 34.

News of Mitte’s death in Brownsville, Texas, was announced in a statement released through his talent management agency. A publicist for the actor later confirmed news reports that Mitte took his own life. No further details about the circumstances were given.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the initial statement said. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston voiced his “deep despair” over the death of his “sweet son” on social media.

Mitte was best known for his breakout role on the AMC cable TV series Breaking Bad, playing the only son of Cranston’s lead character, Walter White, a terminally ill high school teacher who descends into a secret life of crime cooking crystal meth.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2026