RJ Mitte, ‘Breaking Bad’ Actor and Disability Rights Advocate, Dies at 34
‘Breaking Bad’ actor RJ Mitte has died at 34, according to his representative. Bryan Cranston confirmed his death by suicide, remembering Mitte’s determination, acting career and disability rights advocacy
Mitte rose to prominence playing the son of Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, on AMC's award-winning crime drama. (Instagram/RJ Mitte)
RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed television drama Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34, according to a statement from his representative.
“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.
Mitte rose to prominence playing the son of Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, on AMC’s award-winning crime drama. He appeared throughout all five seasons of the series, drawing on his own experience living with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to his character and raise awareness about the neurological condition.
Cranston paid tribute to his former co-star on social media on Monday, sharing his grief over the actor’s death and remembering their relationship both on and off the set.
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.”
Reflecting on Mitte’s determination while filming the series, Cranston wrote, “Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.”
Cranston also disclosed that Mitte died by suicide.
“It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life,” he wrote.
The actor revealed that he and Mitte had been in contact just weeks before his death and had been discussing plans to meet for lunch.
“We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future… But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed,” Cranston wrote.
He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message: “I’ll miss you, son,”
RJ Mitte’s Career Beyond ‘Breaking Bad’
While Breaking Bad introduced Mitte to a global audience, his acting career extended beyond the hit series. He also appeared in Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice and The Oak Room, among other projects.
Earlier this month, Mitte appeared on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, where he revisited his experience auditioning for Breaking Bad. He described the process as “one of the longest auditions of my life.”
“I was one of the very last main cast to be in the series,” he said. “I already missed the cast dinner.”
Beyond his work in television and film, Mitte was a prominent advocate for people with disabilities. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, using his public platform to promote greater awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation.
His advocacy work reflected a commitment to disability awareness that extended beyond his performances on screen.
RJ Mitte Was Engaged to Kennedy Suarez
Mitte’s personal life had recently entered a new chapter. In October 2025, the actor proposed to his girlfriend of five years, Kennedy Suarez.
Speaking to People at the time, Mitte described Suarez as his “everything” and expressed excitement about their future together, saying he couldn’t wait to “start our life together.”