RJ Mitte Remembered for His Acting Career and Disability Advocacy

By Harrison Van Aken

RJ Mitte, well known for the TV show Breaking Bad, dies at 34. He was an advocate for Cerebral Palsy awareness as well as other disabilities (Photo courtesy of Creative Commons)

RJ Mitte, born on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi, best known for his role as Walter “Flynn” Jr., died by suicide at age 34. RJ Mitte broke the acting stereotype that you have to look good to be good. By emphasizing his disability in his roles, he became the actor we love today.

When he was young, he knew he wanted to be an actor and wouldn't let his disability limit him. When he was 9, he started acting in small commercial roles in his hometown. In 2008, he had his first huge role in the TV show Breaking Bad. His role as Walter White Jr. was an instant success. The fans loved that his disability brought extra character development to his role, and they couldn't get enough.

Bryan Cranston said on his Instagram Post “I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm. 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." Bryan Cranston Instagram

For the 5 seasons the show ran, his character kept on gaining attention. This helped RJ Mitte gain the role in Standing Up for Sunny, which only fueled the flames of his acting career. But RJ Mitte wanted more.

He desired actors with disabilities to be seen. He decided to actively protest against the entertainment industry alongside the “SAG-AFTRA” Diversity Committee, pushing for equal hiring practices and demanding that Hollywood cast actors with actual disabilities for disabled roles to bring authentic acting to Hollywood.

On October 12, 2026, RJ Mitte tragically passed away by suicide in his home located in Brownsville, Texas. His acting career and self-determination for disability awareness still show to this day. Without his determination to show people who may look different can still be just as capable as everyone else, it just takes hard work and dedication.  RJ Mitte, you will be missed.