RJ Mitte, the American actor who gained international recognition for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the critically acclaimed television drama Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. His representative confirmed the passing, noting that he died in Brownsville, Texas. A specific cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Born in Louisiana, Mitte moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to assist his younger sister with her budding acting pursuits before landing the career-defining role as a teenager. His character on the AMC series was the resolute and often critical son of a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, played by lead actor Bryan Cranston. The program ran from 2008 through 2013, garnering widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for the ensemble cast in 2014.

Mitte lived with cerebral palsy, a condition that also affected his character on screen, though the physical diagnosis was never explicitly mentioned within the television series. In interviews, he often reflected on the irony of his early career, noting that his first Los Angeles audition was for an anti-methamphetamine public service announcement, long before he joined a drama centered entirely on the illegal drug trade.

Beyond his acting career, Mitte established himself as a prominent advocate for disability rights and inclusion. He served in ambassador roles for organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's, and founded his own charitable organization, The Mitte Foundation, to support community initiatives. Throughout his life, he utilized his public platform to push against stereotypes and advocate for more authentic and diverse representation of individuals with disabilities in the entertainment industry.

Following the conclusion of Breaking Bad, Mitte continued to work in film and television. His subsequent credits included appearances in programs such as Hannah Montana and Switched at Birth, alongside independent film projects. His final onscreen work was featured in the project Talking to Strangers, which debuted earlier this year. Representatives and colleagues remember him not only for his contributions to television history, but also for his dedication to expanding opportunities for disabled performers.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.