'Breaking Bad' actor and disability activist RJ Mitte dies aged 34
"Breaking Bad" actor RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in the hit US television series, has died aged 34, his representatives said Monday. The actor, who lived with cerebral palsy, also became a prominent disability rights advocate, championing inclusion and representation in film and television.
The cause of death for the actor, who lived with cerebral palsy, was not immediately revealed.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," said a statement issued by Sean Reilly.
A teenage Mitte first appeared in "Breaking Bad" in 2008 as the son of chemistry-teacher-turned-drug-kingpin Walter White, a role that won Bryan Cranston global acclaim.
"Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion," Reilly said.
That campaigning evolved into working as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and for Shriners Children's, a non-profit hospital network.
"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," Reilly added.
Co-stars rushed to pay tribute to the performer, with Aaron Paul – who played Jesse Pinkman, White's young partner in crime – saying he was "at a loss" over the news.
"RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that."
Dean Norris, who starred in the series as Mitte's on-screen uncle, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency, said he was "heartbroken" by the news of the young man's death.
"Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set," Norris wrote on social media.
"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."
Fellow actor and disability campaigner Marlee Matlin, who appeared with Mitte in "Cinemability: The Art of Inclusion", a documentary that examined the history of disability portrayals in US film and television, said her heart was "shattered."
"There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart. RIP," wrote Matlin, who became the first deaf actress to win an Oscar when she scooped the top honour for "Children of a Lesser God."
