RJ Mitte made his breakthrough role as Walter White Jr. on the AMC neo-Western crime drama television series Breaking Bad.
By Kehinde Okeowo
American actor, film producer, disability rights activist and founder of the nonprofit organisation the Mitte Foundation, Roy Frank Mitte, popularly known as RJ Mitte, has passed away at the age of 34.
His death was announced on Monday, October 12 by his representative, Sean Reilly, in a statement made available to the BBC.
”It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the statement read.
Reilly added, “Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
According to him, the film star also created The Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, using his platform “to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”
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The statement further noted that the thespian died in Brownsville, Texas, without providing an immediate cause of death.
Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three, was born in Jackson, Mississippi on August 21, 1992.
He moved to Los Angeles in 2006, and worked with a personal talent manager to find acting opportunities where his disability could educate viewers.
After playing minor roles in sitcoms, he was cast in his breakthrough role as Walter White Jr. on the AMC neo-Western crime drama television series Breaking Bad.
He also served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s before his demise.
