A 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. The actor’s representatives announced the news in a statement, saying, “It is with great sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
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 in “Breaking Bad” beginning in 2008 and appeared in 57 episodes during the show’s five seasons.
After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three, Mitte dedicated much of his personal and professional life to advocating for actors with disabilities. She served as a spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA on topics related to disability accessibility and portrayal and as a celebrity ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy organization.
Mitte’s tragic passing on Monday afternoon sparked an outpouring of support among his fellow artists, with many remembering him as a talented artist and a compassionate public speaker who never backed down from what he believed was right. Tributes poured in from Mitte’s “Breaking Bad” colleagues, his advocacy work colleagues and fellow actors who admired his work from afar.
Marlee Matlin, summarizing the thoughts of countless others, wrote, “My best is broken. There will never be another like RJ Mitte.” “There will always be a place for you in my heart.”
Keep reading for an updated summary of reactions to Mitte’s death.