‘Breaking Bad’ star RJ Mitte, who died by suicide Monday at the age of 34, made his final public appearance just days before his death.
Speaking to inspirational podcast Stauros Entertainment Oct. 2, Mitte talked about his role in his new movie “Talking to Strangers,” in which he played a man with cerebral palsy involved in a love affair. Mitte, who himself had cerebral palsy, praised the movie for “pushing social norms” and “stepping out of the realm of comfort,” as well as working with an “amazing” cast and an “awesome” director.
Mitte was additionally photographed on September 30 at a screening of “Talking To Strangers,” at Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his rep confirmed in a statement to Page Six Monday.
“RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series ‘Breaking Bad.’ Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
The statement added that “beyond entertaining friends and family around the world,” Mitte served as a proud ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
“He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities,” the statement continued.
“At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones.”
TMZ was the first outlet to report the news of Mitte’s death. A county official confirmed to the outlet that the actor died in Texas and that the death investigation is ongoing.
While he was best known for his role in “Breaking Bad,” he also had roles in “Switched at Birth,” “The Guardians of Justice,” and “Now Apocalypse.”
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 3.
“I think everyone that has a disability has the opportunity to make an impact with what they can do and who they are,” he told the Badger Herald in 2015. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today if it wasn’t for my disability and what it instilled in me.”
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