Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte reflected on life in his final interview before his death.
“I live life to the fullest. I always try. I have a very finite amount of time,” Mitte said on the October 5 episode of “The Joe Vulpis Podcast” when asked about his “method” for getting into a “dark, emotional state” with his acting.
He continued, “I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen a lot of s*** in this world. I’ve seen the most beautiful things and I’ve seen some of the most heinous things in working in communities all around the world. And I find drawing from experience is something that’s really important as an actor.”
Mitte played Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on all five seasons of Breaking Bad, an experience which he said helped give him a platform for his work as a disability rights advocate. (Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy — which the Mayo Clinic describes as “a group of conditions that affect movement, balance and posture,” often caused by “damage that occurs to a baby’s brain” — at age 3.)
“That’s really the greatest thing that Breaking Bad has given me, is to be able to lend my voice to causes that make a meaningful impact that change people’s lives,” he said. “I think that’s one of the greatest things that I have. And it’s not the awards. It’s not all of these things people assume come with this. It’s literally being able to impact someone’s life in a meaningful way that without that, wouldn’t have it.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Mitte shared that he wanted to have projects funded while also continuing to pursue his acting endeavors.
“I would like to try to find some time in the next couple years for myself. Down the road, maybe. I tell people, ‘Maybe when I’m 40, I’ll do something for myself.’ I think just keep living the dream, you know,” he said. “I tell people, you know, every dream could be a nightmare, too … but just keep living it, just keep pushing forward. As long as my family is healthy and happy, I’m happy.”
Days after Mitte’s interview aired, news broke on Monday, October 12, that he died at age 34. Mitte’s rep honored his career and work as a disability rights advocate in a statement to Us.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the rep told Us. “Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the [Breaking Bad] role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
“Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s,” his rep continued. “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 also asked fans to “respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones” as they mourn.
Hours later, Us confirmed via Mitte’s spokesperson that he died by suicide in Texas. The Brownsville Police Department told People that officers responded to a call around 12:50 p.m. local time and found Mitte dead when they arrived at his home. (Us reached out to the Brownsville Police Department for comment.)
“The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” a police spokesperson said.
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