Tragedy struck Hollywood on Monday when RJ Mitte, the actor and disability advocate best known for playing Walter White Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” died at the age of 34. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the actor’s representatives said in a statement announcing the news.
Mitte was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1992 and moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue an acting career. He rose to prominence for his role on “Breaking Bad” beginning in 2008 and appeared in 57 episodes throughout the show’s five-season run.
After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three years old, Mitte dedicated much of his personal and professional life to advocating for disabled actors. He served as a spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA on topics relating to accessibility and portrayals of disabilities and worked as a celebrity ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy organization.
Mitte’s tragic passing caused an outpouring support among his fellow actors on Monday afternoon, with many remembering him as both a talented performer and a compassionate public speaker who never stood down from what he believed was right. Tributes poured in from Mitte’s “Breaking Bad” collaborators, allies from his advocacy work, and fellow actors who admired his work from afar.
“My best is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte,” Marlee Matlin wrote, summarizing the thoughts of countless others. “You’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Keep reading for an updating roundup of reactions to Mitte’s death.
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