Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte dead at 34, Brownsville police investigating
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Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — Roy Frank "RJ" Mitte, president of the Mitte Foundation and best known as the actor who played Walter White Jr. on the Emmy-award-winning series "Breaking Bad," has died. He was 34.
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, the Brownsville Police Department said the cause and manner of death remain pending an official determination from the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued on social media, the Mitte Cultural District described Mitte as a beloved friend and a dedicated champion of the arts whose commitment to Brownsville will forever be part of the community's story.
Mitte moved to Brownsville after the series ended.
"RJ was more than a supporter of the Mitte Cultural District. He was a friend, a partner, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together," the district said in a Monday social media statement. "His commitment to Brownsville and his family's philanthropic legacy helped shape an extraordinary chapter in our cultural history, including our recent designation as a Texas Cultural District."
The district said Mitte saw the Mitte Cultural District as a bridge connecting generations, cultures, abilities, and communities through shared experiences and creative expression.
"RJ was a tremendous asset to our community, and we are devastated by this loss," Mitte Cultural District Board of Directors Chair Reba Cardenas said in a statement. "His commitment to Brownsville and the Mitte Cultural District went far beyond philanthropy. He genuinely believed in our community, our artists, and the power of arts and culture to bring people together."
"RJ believed in Brownsville," Mitte Cultural District Executive Director Daniella Lopez Valdez said. "He believed in our artists, our children, our cultural institutions, and the incredible potential of this community. But more importantly, he believed in bringing people together."
The district said it will honor his memory by continuing the work he believed in, building bridges through the arts, creating opportunities for inclusion and helping Brownsville's cultural community continue to thrive.
In a statement, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen described Mitte as "a force for good in this world."
"He gave his time and energy generously to our local arts and cultural nonprofits, most notably through creating and championing the Mitte Cultural District... Through that work, he helped build a place where kids are inspired and encouraged to pursue their talents in art, music, and dance. His legacy is lasting and profound," Cowen said. "I will miss you, RJ. Rest in peace, my friend."
Bryan Cranston, the Emmy-award-winning actor who played Mitte's father in Breaking Bad, said he'll miss Mitte and urged those contemplating suicide to call the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis hotline.
"Born with cerebral palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything," Cranston said. " He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community. All that promise and potential now is such a loss."
Dean Norris, Mitte's Breaking Bad co-star, also spoke on his death.
"He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family," Norris said.
Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ I am heartbroken Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family. ????????????
— Dean Norris (@deanjnorris) October 12, 2026
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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