RJ Mitte, the American actor known for playing Walter White Jr. in the television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.

Mitte died on October 12, 2026, in Brownsville, Texas. His death was reported by major news outlets, with his representatives confirming the news.

Bryan Cranston, who played his father, Walter White, in the AMC crime drama, paid tribute to the actor following his death. Cranston expressed deep sorrow and recalled their relationship, which began when Mitte was cast in the series as a teenager.

In a tribute shared on Instagram, Cranston remembered meeting Mitte when he was 14 and watching him develop as an actor during their years working together. He also revealed that they had exchanged text messages weeks before his death while discussing plans to meet for lunch.

Cranston described Mitte as his “sweet son”, referring to their father-and-son relationship on the series. He also praised the late actor for his advocacy for performers with disabilities.

Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, also expressed grief over Mitte’s death. Paul remembered his former co-star and friend in a tribute, saying he loved him and that he would be missed.

Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader in the series, also reacted to the news. Norris recalled looking out for Mitte when he was younger and described him as a kind young man.

Mitte became widely recognised for playing Walter White Jr., the son of Cranston’s character, in Breaking Bad. The series premiered in 2008 and concluded in 2013 after five seasons.

Created by Vince Gilligan, the drama follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who begins manufacturing methamphetamine after receiving a cancer diagnosis. As the story progresses, his criminal activities place increasing pressure on his family, including his son, Walter Jr.

Mitte’s performance was notable because he has cerebral palsy, the same condition portrayed by his character. His role made him a familiar face to audiences and connected his work on the series with wider discussions about the representation of disability on television.

Born Roy Frank Mitte III on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi, he began pursuing acting opportunities after moving to Los Angeles with his younger sister in 2005. Before landing his breakthrough role, he appeared in television productions including Hannah Montana and Everybody Hates Chris.

Following the end of Breaking Bad, Mitte continued working in film and television. His credits included the drama series Switched at Birth, the 2020 film The Oak Room and Triumph, a 2021 film in which he played a high school student with cerebral palsy who aspires to become a wrestler.

Outside acting, Mitte advocated for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry. He worked with organisations including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and served as president of The Mitte Foundation.