United States

RJ Mitte, the actor known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr in the television drama “Breaking Bad” and for his disability rights advocacy, has died at the age of 34. His talent management agency said he died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas.

The agency confirmed Mitte’s death in a statement but did not disclose the circumstances. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” it said.

Mitte’s breakthrough came in AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” which ran from 2008 to 2013. He played the son of Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, a terminally ill high school teacher who begins producing crystal meth while living a double life as the criminal figure known as Heisenberg.

His character, Walter White Jr, later known as Flynn, used crutches and spoke with a slur. Mitte had cerebral palsy himself, and his personal experience gave the role an authenticity that drew attention. The character’s disability was largely not treated as the central focus of the series’ story, even as Flynn’s role became more prominent over time.

Initially shown as a teenager who admired his father, Flynn later faced the consequences of the family’s collapse as Walter White’s criminal activities came to light. Fans also nicknamed the character “the breakfast king” because of his recurring appearances at the White family’s breakfast table.

“Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” the agency’s statement said. It noted his work with philanthropic organisations supporting people with cerebral palsy and other muscle-control disorders.

“Breaking Bad” received 16 Emmy Awards during its run, including two awards for best drama series. The show is frequently cited by critics as one of television’s leading dramas.

After the series, Mitte played a high school wrestler with cerebral palsy in the 2021 coming-of-age film “Triumph.” His other film credits included “The Recall” and “The Oak Room.” Variety reported that he had recently been promoting a new film, “Talking to Strangers,” including through podcast appearances.

Beyond acting, Mitte served as a Screen Actors Guild spokesman for performers with disabilities and was a celebrity ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy foundation.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte suffered brain damage at birth. He was adopted as an infant and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 3. He used leg braces and crutches for much of his childhood before athletics and exercise meant he no longer needed walking devices.

According to Wikipedia, he was raised by his adoptive mother after his parents separated. The site also states that he took financial responsibility for his mother and younger sister at age 13 after his mother became paralysed.