Actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. on AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” has died at age 34, according to a statement from his representative reported on October 12, 2026. The representative described him as a “beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate.”
Mitte, who has cerebral palsy, appeared in all five seasons of “Breaking Bad” and later acted in “Switched at Birth,” “The Guardians of Justice,” and “The Oak Room.” He was an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and served as president of The Mitte Foundation. His visibility as an actor with a disability in a leading television role helped broaden conversations about representation in film and TV.
Variety has since reported that the cause of death was confirmed as suicide. AmeriDisability.com has not independently confirmed this, and details are still developing. Initial reports from other outlets did not state a cause.
This story is developing, and AmeriDisability.com will update it as verified information becomes available. Our thoughts are with Mitte’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many people who followed his work.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to reach a trained counselor 24 hours a day.
Sources: CNN, Variety, Deadline, ABC News, NBC News, The Hollywood Reporter, The Washington Post, Fox News (all October 12–13, 2026).
