RJ Mitte, the actor who became known to millions as Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34.
His representatives confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday, 12 October, remembering a performer whose work reached far beyond the screen. RJ died in Brownsville, Texas.
For viewers of the acclaimed drama, he was Flynn, the teenage son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White and Anna Gunn's Skyler. Away from the cameras, he dedicated much of his time to campaigning for greater opportunities for people with disabilities.
© Variety via Getty ImagesRJ Mitte's representatives confirm his death
In a statement shared by his representatives described RJ as a "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights activist".
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights activist RJ Mitte," his representatives stated. "At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones."
TMZ reports that he died by suicide and that the investigation remains ongoing. His representatives have not publicly confirmed a cause of death. RJ lived with cerebral palsy, but no verified information has linked the condition to his death.
Cerebral palsy describes lifelong conditions affecting movement and co-ordination. RJ's experience informed both his acting and his public advocacy, becoming an important part of the work he chose to pursue.
© Getty ImagesRJ Mitte's role in Breaking Bad
RJ appeared throughout Breaking Bad's five-season run, from 2008 to 2013. His character also had cerebral palsy, bringing disability representation into one of television's most widely recognised dramas.
As Walter and Skyler's son, Flynn offered a family perspective on a story dominated by his father's increasingly dangerous double life. RJ's performance placed him at the centre of the White family's most difficult moments.
His career began after a move to Hollywood in 2006, with early appearances as an extra before the role that would make him recognisable around the world.
He later joined Switched at Birth, continuing a television career that developed alongside his charity commitments.
© Getty ImagesRJ Mitte's dedication to disability advocacy
RJ had a particularly personal connection to Shriners Children's, having received treatment at its Shreveport hospital during childhood following his diagnosis at three.
In 2014, he became an ambassador for the organisation's Love to the Rescue campaign, returning as an adult to support children and share his own experiences.
His interests also took him into fashion and broadcasting. He walked for Vivienne Westwood in Milan in 2015 and joined Channel 4's coverage of the Rio Paralympics the following year.
© Getty ImagesAlongside those projects, he worked with Shriners on an anti-bullying campaign, encouraging acceptance and helping children look beyond physical differences.
Explaining the purpose behind that work in a 2016 statement, RJ said: "Now I have an opportunity to give a voice to people with disabilities and promote acceptance."
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. Support is available 24/7. In an emergency, call 000.
