The actor, who portrayed Walter “Flynn” White Jr. throughout all five seasons of Breaking Bad, is being remembered by co-stars and colleagues for his kindness, talent, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
RJ Mitte, the actor and disability rights advocate best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. Following the news, his co-stars and longtime collaborators have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering him as a talented performer, a compassionate friend, and a passionate advocate for disability awareness and inclusion.
Mitte’s representative confirmed his death to PEOPLE on Monday, October 12, 2026, in a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the actor, philanthropist, and disability rights activist.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the representative said.
The statement also highlighted how Mitte drew on his personal experience living with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to his work and use his public platform to promote greater awareness and inclusion.
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‘Breaking Bad’ Co-Stars Remember Mitte’s Kindness
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader on the acclaimed AMC drama, described Mitte’s death as heartbreaking. Although Norris did not portray the character’s father on screen, he said he had always looked out for the young actor during their time working together.
“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed,” Norris, 63, said in a statement. “I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Breaking Bad, which ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, featured Mitte as the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White. His portrayal of Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, made him a familiar face to audiences throughout the series.
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, also expressed his grief following the announcement. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Paul said he was struggling to find words to describe the loss.
“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul said.
He also used his message to offer words of encouragement to others, adding, “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
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Filmmaker Michael D. Coffey Recalls Their Close Bond
Filmmaker Michael D. Coffey, who cast Mitte to portray him in Triumph, a film based on Coffey’s own life, also paid tribute to the actor. Coffey said the two developed a close connection almost immediately.
“I cast RJ to star in my first movie Triumph because I wanted a great actor who has CP to play me,” Coffey told PEOPLE. “RJ was awesome.”
Coffey recalled Mitte’s strong work ethic from an early age, as well as his commitment to supporting people with disabilities. He said the actor had spent years helping his mother and visiting hospitals to advocate for others.
“RJ was a very hard worker ever since his childhood from helping his mom. He was always traveling to hospitals, etc. to advocate for people with disabilities,” Coffey said. “RJ will be greatly missed by the many, many lives he touched.”
The two also worked together on the supernatural thriller One Eye Open, in which Mitte was cast. The film was scheduled for release on October 16, 2026.
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Marlee Matlin and Lea Thompson Share Tributes
Mitte’s impact extended beyond Breaking Bad. He also appeared in the ABC Family series Switched at Birth, where he worked alongside actress and fellow disability rights advocate Marlee Matlin.
Matlin remembered her former co-star in an emotional Instagram post, sharing a photograph of herself with Mitte and their Switched at Birth co-star Ryan Lane.
“My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte,” Matlin wrote. “You’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Lea Thompson, who also appeared alongside Mitte in Switched at Birth, remembered him as a joyful and considerate colleague.
In a tribute posted to Instagram on Monday, Thompson described the actor as “joyous, professional, and kind.”
“I am so broken hearted to hear of his passing,” she wrote. “May his memory be a blessing. Rest in peace RJ your work inspired so many.”
Their messages reflected the personal connections Mitte formed with the people he worked with and the lasting impression he left on colleagues across the entertainment industry.
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Police Confirm Death in Brownsville, Texas
The Brownsville Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas.
According to the department, officers received a call at 12:50 p.m. and subsequently arrived at Mitte’s home, where he was found dead.
“The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” the department said.
No further details about the circumstances of his death were provided in the statement.
A Career Defined by Acting and Disability Advocacy
Beyond his role in Breaking Bad, Mitte built a career that included television appearances, film projects, and work promoting disability awareness.
In 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award for his work on Breaking Bad. He also appeared in Switched at Birth and the superhero series The Guardians of Justice, as well as making early appearances in Hannah Montana and Everybody Hates Chris.
Mitte’s experience living with cerebral palsy informed both his approach to acting and his advocacy. As his representative noted following his death, he used his personal experiences to help promote disability awareness and inclusion.
His colleagues’ tributes have highlighted the qualities they valued most in him, from his dedication to his craft to his kindness and commitment to helping others.
As friends, fellow actors, and collaborators remember Mitte, his work on screen and his efforts to support people with disabilities remain central to the legacy they describe.