RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad star and disability advocate, dies at 34

RJ Mitte's Career and Advocacy

RJ Mitte's career in entertainment spanned over a decade, with his breakout role as Walter White Jr. On "Breaking Bad" providing a platform for him to advocate for disability rights. Mitte had cerebral palsy, which was reflected in his character's experiences on the show. He appeared in 56 episodes of the series, which aired from 2008 to 2013. In addition to his work on "Breaking Bad," Mitte had roles on several other series, including "Switched at Birth" and "The Guardians of Justice." As Mitte said in an interview with the Guardian, "You accept the risks and you accept these will be the parts you play. But it's all about how you play those parts – you have to show the inner strength that people have."

Disability Advocacy and Philanthropy

Mitte was an outspoken advocate for disability representation in entertainment and used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities. He served as an ambassador for several disability and health organizations, including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. Mitte was also the president of the Mitte Foundation, which provided grants and scholarships to those in need. As his representatives stated, "Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."

Personal Life and Legacy

Mitte was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. He moved to Los Angeles with his family at a young age and began acting to meet kids his own age. Mitte's family was supportive of his career goals, and he credited them with helping him overcome the negative perceptions of people with cerebral palsy that he faced as a child. In a 2016 interview with the Guardian, Mitte said, "My step-brother told me [that I was adopted]. He'd overheard my mum and my stepdad at the time talking about it, and he threw it in my face. But I didn't really care. It didn't seem relevant, because I never once in my life felt unloved or like I was a burden."

Reactions to Mitte's Death

The news of Mitte's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the entertainment industry and beyond. Dean Norris, who played Mitte's uncle on "Breaking Bad," described him as a "sweetheart of a young man" and said that he will be "greatly missed." Vincent Martella, an actor and singer, also paid tribute to Mitte, saying that he was "so young and genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to."

Frequently Asked Questions

What was RJ Mitte's cause of death?

The cause of Mitte's death has not been independently established, although a county official told TMZ that he died by possible suicide.

What was RJ Mitte's most notable role?

Mitte's most notable role was as Walter White Jr. On the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," which aired from 2008 to 2013.

What was RJ Mitte's advocacy work focused on?

Mitte was an advocate for disability representation in entertainment and used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.

As the entertainment industry and the disability community continue to mourn the loss of RJ Mitte, his legacy will live on through his advocacy work and his commitment to promoting inclusion and awareness. Mitte's death is a tragic reminder of the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting greater representation and inclusion in all aspects of life.