Actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. in Breaking Bad, passed away at 34 on October 12, 2026. A county official told TMZ the death was a suicide, and law enforcement said a thorough investigation would be conducted.
Days before his death, Mitte revisited an interesting detail from his early days. His first audition in Los Angeles was for an anti-methamphetamine public service announcement commissioned by the state of California.
Ironically, he later joined Breaking Bad, AMC’s crime drama about a chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine. Mitte himself recognised the connection and joked that the series had anti-meth messaging too.
He appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast on October 5, 2026, in which he also described the lengthy audition process that landed him the role of Walter White’s son.
RJ Mitte Recalled His First Audition Before Landing Breaking Bad
During the podcast, RJ Mitte recalled, “The very first audition I ever did in Los Angeles was a PSA for the state of California. It was an anti-meth commercial.”
When host Joe Vulpis called it ‘Full circle,’ Mitte agreed and explained the irony of eventually joining the AMC series.
“Fast forward to auditioning for Breaking Bad, which is still, in my opinion, an anti-meth thing because it doesn't end well for anyone,” Mitte added.
His remark captured the story of Breaking Bad. The plot follows Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, as he moves from producing methamphetamine to protect his family's finances to becoming an increasingly ruthless criminal.
The consequences extend beyond Walter, destroying relationships and leaving his family to confront his double life.
In Breaking Bad, Mitte played Walter Jr., later known as Flynn. His innocence and loyalty to his father won audiences’ hearts.
RJ Mitte Auditioned Five Times Over Six Months For Breaking Bad
RJ Mitte's casting took a very long time than it was expected. During the podcast, he described the audition process as ‘one of the longest auditions of my life.’ He then said that it took more than six months and involved five auditions. Four auditions were held in California and one in New Mexico.
Mitte revealed the scrutiny of auditions because makers were deciding on how to portray Walter Jr.’s cerebral palsy. Although Mitte had the condition himself, the character's physical presentation was developed through discussions with the show's casting director, Sharon Bialy.
Mitte recalled that Sharon Bialy had broken her leg while skiing and was using crutches during one audition. She asked him to try them and explore a mobility aid he had not previously used.
This improv was because the character of Walter Jr. was inspired by a real-life friend of series creator Vince Gilligan who had cerebral palsy and used forearm crutches, Mitte explained.
The final stage moved quickly. Mitte said he received a call about an hour later confirming that he had the part. He was told to return to Los Angeles and get to the set because filming was already underway.
ALSO READ: RJ Mitte Dies At 34: How The Breaking Bad Actor Went From Walt Jr. To Disability Rights Advocate
How Did RJ Mitte Die?
Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas, on October 12, according to reports. His representatives confirmed his death in a statement describing him as an actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate.
“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 said.
A county official told TMZ the death was a suicide. A Variety report also says it has confirmed that the reason for Mitte's death was suicide, according to his representative.
(Image Credit: Instagram @rjmitte)
What Roles Did RJ Mitte Play Besides Walter Jr.?
Apart from Breaking Bad, he had roles on Switched at Birth, Robot Chicken, On Hiatus with Monty Geer, This Close, Now Apocalypse and The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!), among others.
He also appeared in films including Dixieland, Who’s Driving Doug, The Recall, Mower Boy, Time Share, The Oak Room and more.
Before Breaking Bad, RJ Mitte appeared in short films like Stump, Weird Science 2: Strange Chemistry and House of Last Things.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Web Series Like Breaking Bad To Watch If You Love Crime And Thrillers
RJ Mitte’s journey from an anti-meth campaign audition to Breaking Bad remains a striking chapter in his career, alongside his efforts to promote disability representation and inclusion. Which of his performances will you remember him for most?
FAQs
Q1. How did RJ Mitte die?
A1. RJ Mitte’s cause of death is known as suicide, as per reports from TMZ and Verity India.
Q2. What role did RJ Mitte play in Breaking Bad?
A2. RJ Mitte played the role of Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr., the son of Walter White and Skylar White.
Q3. What was RJ Mitte’s first audition?
A3. RJ Mitte’s first audition was for an anti-meth public campaign in Los Angeles.