RJ Mitte dies at 34 in Brownsville, police say

RJ Mitte has died at age 34 in Brownsville, police confirmed Monday. The loss takes away a noted television performer and prominent arts advocate. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, police say.

Mitte had cerebral palsy. He starred as Walter White Jr. in the television drama series “Breaking Bad.” Mitte appeared alongside Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn, who played his parents. Viewers and experts widely consider the program one of the greatest television shows of all time.

Mitte also performed in other screen productions:

• “The Oak Room”
• “The Recall”
• “The Guardians of Justice”

The Mitte Cultural District in Brownsville confirmed the death in an official statement. Mitte served as President of the Mitte Foundation. He backed the area’s designation as a Texas Cultural District.

Reba Cardenas McNair chairs the Mitte Cultural District Board of Directors. She released a statement honoring his local work.

“RJ was a tremendous asset to our community, and we are devastated by this loss. 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.”

Mitte advocated for inclusion and accessibility across the region. Board leaders noted his focus on creative expression for all backgrounds.

Executive Director Daniella Lopez Valdez praised his enduring involvement with the arts district.

“RJ believed in Brownsville. 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.”

A municipal police department investigates unattended deaths to establish official facts. Investigators review circumstances surrounding a scene before closing an inquiry.

The Mitte Cultural District pledged to continue his community work in Brownsville.