RJ Mitte, the actor who played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, has died at 34. He died on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Brownsville, Texas. His representative has said he died by suicide, though authorities have not yet released an official cause of death.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, spent years speaking up for better roles and fairer treatment of people with disabilities. Co-stars, fans and disability groups have been paying tribute since the news broke.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please talk to someone you trust or reach out to a mental health professional or a local crisis service.
What we know about his death
A spokesperson for the office of Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa in Brownsville, Texas, told CNN that the 34-year-old actor died on Monday and that the matter is under investigation. The spokesperson said Mitte was already dead when police arrived.
Variety reports that a representative confirmed to the outlet that Mitte died by suicide at his home in Texas. NBC News and ABC News also report that his representatives and Bryan Cranston said the same. The Albuquerque Journal notes that an official cause of death has not been released, and that an investigation and autopsy are pending.
We are not reporting further details, in line with responsible reporting on suicide. Anything beyond what officials and the family’s representatives have confirmed is speculation.
Statements and tributes
In a statement, Mitte’s representative called him a “beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate.” The statement said he used his own experience with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to his role and to build a platform for disability awareness and inclusion.
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s on-screen father, wrote on Instagram that he was in deep despair over the news. He called Mitte his “sweet son” on the show and said he never let cerebral palsy become an excuse. Cranston added that the two had texted a few weeks earlier about meeting for lunch.
Other Breaking Bad cast members, the Albuquerque film community and fans have also shared tributes. Aaron Paul told Mitte he loved him, according to a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Who was RJ Mitte?
His full name was Roy Frank Mitte III, and he was born on August 21, 1992. Variety and Wikipedia list his birthplace as Jackson, Mississippi, while NPR says his family later lived in Louisiana. He was adopted as a baby by Roy Frank Mitte Jr. and Dyna Mitte, who later separated, and he was raised mainly by his mother.
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three. NPR notes that, like his character, he had the condition, although his own was milder.
In 2006 the family moved to Los Angeles after his younger sister, Lacianne Carriere, was offered a part in a film. Mitte began acting through her.
From small parts to Breaking Bad
NPR reports that Mitte started as an extra on Hannah Montana. His big break was Breaking Bad, which aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013. He was 14 when the show began and 21 when it ended, and he appeared in all five seasons as the teenage son of Cranston’s Walter White. The show won many awards, including a SAG Award for best ensemble, according to CNN.
His other work included roles in Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice and The Oak Room, as reported by ABC News. He was also promoting a new film, Talking to Strangers, and had appeared on podcasts in the days before his death. A screening of the film was held in Beverly Hills on September 30, 2026.
Disability advocacy
Off screen, Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He was also president of his own charity, the Mitte Foundation, which backed a range of philanthropic efforts and pushed back on stereotypes about people with disabilities, according to Variety.
Family and personal life
Mitte is survived by his mother and his sister, based on earlier reports about his family. Variety says he was engaged to his long-term partner, Kennedy Suarez. ABC News, citing People, reports that he proposed in October 2025. We have not seen a statement from his family beyond the representative’s.
Net worth: what is known
There is no reliable, verified figure for his net worth. Various celebrity-finance websites give numbers between about $2.5 million and $3 million, but these are unconfirmed estimates and none comes from a financial record or the family. We have not used any of these figures as fact.
Why his death matters
Mitte was one of the most visible actors with a disability on American television, and he was a rare case of a character with a disability played by an actor who has one. Many disability advocates have long argued that this makes for more honest storytelling, and Mitte became a public voice for that view.
His death has also brought attention to mental health, especially for people who grew up in the public eye. Reports on this should stay careful and respectful, and avoid guessing at reasons.
What happens next
The Cameron County investigation is continuing, and an autopsy is pending. An official cause of death is expected to come from the authorities. No details about funeral or memorial arrangements had been announced in the reports we checked. We will update this story when more information is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Who was RJ Mitte?
He was an American actor and disability rights advocate, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad.
When and where did RJ Mitte die?
He died on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Brownsville, Texas, at age 34.
What was RJ Mitte’s cause of death?
His representative and Bryan Cranston said he died by suicide. Officials have not released an official cause, and the investigation and autopsy are pending.
What movies and shows was RJ Mitte in?
His best-known role was in Breaking Bad (2008-2013). He also appeared in Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice and The Oak Room, and had a new film, Talking to Strangers.
Did RJ Mitte have cerebral palsy?
Yes. He was diagnosed at age three and often spoke about the condition.
What was RJ Mitte’s net worth?
There is no verified figure. Some websites estimate it between $2.5 million and $3 million, but these numbers are unconfirmed.
Who was in RJ Mitte’s family?
He was adopted by Roy Frank Mitte Jr. and Dyna Mitte, and had a younger sister, Lacianne Carriere. He was engaged to Kennedy Suarez.
