Bryan Cranston in 'deep despair' at RJ Mitte's death
Actor RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, has died at age 34. Co-star Bryan Cranston expressed deep grief, praising Mitte's determination and professional growth throughout the series.
Why it matters
Mitte was a prominent advocate for disability rights, and his passing marks the loss of a significant figure in both television history and disability representation.
<p>Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, who brought a lifetime of experience with cerebral palsy to fictional family struggles in an essential role on Breaking Bad, <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/13/breaking-bad-star-rj-mitte-dies/" target="_blank">died yesterday</a> at age 34, authorities and his representatives said.</p> <p>Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's chemistry teacher-turned-meth dealer Walter White on nearly every episode of the five seasons of the AMC show, which recently ranked as the best of the 21st century in a New York Times poll.</p> <p>Cranston said he is in “deep despair” for the loss of his “sweet son".</p> <p>“I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm,” Cranston said in a Facebook post.</p> <p>“Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never — ever — allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything.
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