RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad's Walter White Jr
Summary
The actor, who drew on his own experience with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to one of television's most acclaimed dramas, spent his career fighting for inclusion on and off screen.
"RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on AMC's Breaking Bad, died Monday at age 34, the Associated Press reported. His representatives said Tuesday that he died by suicide.
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child and drew on that experience in Breaking Bad, which ran from 2008 to 2013. His representatives said he ""brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."" After moving to Los Angeles in 2006 and landing small sitcom roles, he joined the series as the son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White, and the show went on to win 16 Emmys. His later credits included Switched at Birth and Guardians of Justice, and he produced several independent films.
Off screen, Mitte was an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's and served as president of the Mitte Foundation, which supports initiatives around disability. Cranston said he was in ""deep despair"" over the loss of his ""sweet son,"" writing that Mitte never allowed ""that challenge to be an excuse for anything.""
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Performing arts and entertainment professionals can also contact the Entertainment Community Fund for crisis counseling, support groups and referrals."