RJ Mitte, actor best known for Breaking Bad, dies at 34

The actor who played Walter White Jr. and advocate for disability representation, as praised by Bryan Cranston as "my beautiful boy," RJ Mitte remembered - Life in Pictures - MS

Actor RJ Mitte, who portrayed his personal experience of living with cerebral palsy as Walter White Jr. on the TV series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34 in Brownsville, Texas.

"It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate advocate for disability rights RJ Mitte," Mitte's representatives said in a statement. "Drawing on her own experience of living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and created a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."

A journalist for the actor confirmed news reports that Mateh committed suicide. No further details were provided on the terms.

Starting at the age of 15, Mitt played drug kingpin Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's high school chemistry teacher, in 56 episodes of the acclaimed AMC show, often cited as one of the greatest television series of all time.

In 2015, he spoke to The Guardian about disabled actors playing disabled characters. "You take risks and you accept that these are the roles you play. But it's all about how you play - you have to show people's inner strength," he said.

Mitte's co-stars paid tribute after news of his death broke, including Cranston, who wrote a lengthy tribute on Instagram. Cranston described him as "my sweet boy on Breaking Bad", "a good actor" and "a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities".

"It's devastating to hear that he passed away," Stackranston wrote. "He said he and Mitte had been texting each other a few weeks ago about possibly meeting for lunch. I don't know if that lunch would have changed his future. I'm going to miss you, son."

He said Mitte "never -- never -- let [his disability] be an excuse for anything" during the show's production. "He tackled the rigorous shooting schedule with determination."

Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman, said in a statement: "I'm breaking down. I was heartbroken by this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed."

Dean Norris, who plays Walt Jr.'s uncle Hank Schrader, wrote on social media, “Even though RJ didn't play my TV boyfriend, I always looked up to him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can't believe it. Thinking of him and his family."

In addition to Breaking Bad, Mitte also starred in other series, including Switched at Birth and The Guardians of Justice. A few days before his death, he was promoting his new film, Talking to Strangers, billed as a "romantic tragedy."

Earlier this month, Mitte appeared on Joe Volpis' podcast and talked about his time on Breaking Bad. He noted that his character was based on a real-life friend of the series, Vince Gilligan. "It was a really surreal feeling to play this character and get into a groove with this character," Mitte said.

Off screen, Mitte has been an outspoken advocate for disability representation in entertainment, serving in various philanthropic roles, including as ambassador for Cerebral Palsy United and president of the Mitte Foundation.

Born in 1992, Mitt was raised in Mississippi by foster parents. In an interview with The Guardian in 2016, she said she found out she was adopted when she was eight.

"My stepbrother told me. He heard my mom and stepdad talking about it at the time and he threw it in my face," she said. "But I didn't really care. It didn't seem relevant because I've never felt unloved or burdened in my life."

In the United States, you can call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In the UK and Ireland, the Samaritans can be contacted on the freephone number 116 123. In Australia, the Lifeline crisis support service is 13 11 14. You can find other international helplines.