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RJ Mitte, the beloved actor who played Walter White Jr. on AMC‘s hit series Breaking Bad, has tragically died.
He was only 34. He was engaged. He was a passionate disability rights advocate. And he had hopes for the future.
Just last week a new episode of The Joe Vulpis Podcast came out with him as the guest, and in it he was smiling, having a good time, and talking about plans.
He shared a clip of the podcast to his Instagram last week, specifically one in which he talks about the where his and Anna Gunn‘s characters from the show might be today. (Anna played his TV mom.)
This would sadly become RJ’s final post on the social media app.
TMZ reports he was found dead by apparent suicide in Texas on Monday. Further details have not been publicly released.
Speaking to the outlet, podcast host Joe Vulpis says he’s shocked by the news, telling them:
“His passing is super surprising because he was so grounded and down to earth.”
Joe told TMZ that RJ was “one of the most kind and genuine people [he] got to speak with.”
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Soon after the news broke, fans went to his Instagram to pay their respects in his comment section, and it’s there that many discovered “rude” comments from the week before.
While no one knows what happened leading up to his death, or if RJ even saw the messages, it’s still devastating for fans to read comments they feel didn’t give him enough credit. They write:
“The previous comments on this post break my heart… I wish I was here to give some comforting words to one of the greatest actors on earth”
“this dude was lovely and he received so much ableism from people in his comments”
“it’s disheartening to see how the comment section was before his passing. you never know what someone is going through. please be kind to one another.”
“y’all were so mean to him in these comments … i hope you can all take the time to reevaluate and simply just be kinder to those around you. you don’t know what people are going through. rest in peace to RJ. sending love and healing to his fiancée and family.”
RJ lived with cerebral palsy and became president of The Mitte Foundation, a non-profit organization that provided grants and scholarships to people in need. He was also an ambassador for both United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s organizations.
Remembering him for the joy and positivity he brought to the world, his fans continued paying tribute:
“RIP buddy.. you were a incredible talent and a light upon the world.. im sorry you were suffering”
“You were loved RJ. I’m so sorry the world was so cruel.”
“So sorry for his loved ones. He seemed like a good man. I hope he knows now that he was loved.”
“Rest easy legend, if anyone is dealing with mental health please contact someone”
“This loss hurts. Breaking Bad literally is my most favourite show and I always think about the scenes from the film every now and then and the memory stays fresh. Your performance had a great impact on the entire world. You’re a pure soul. A real one. May your soul find peace.”
RJ brought so much heart to the world.
His legacy and impact will continue to live on through the awareness he raised for disability rights and the joy his talent brought fans. May he rest in peace.
For resources on mental health, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org.
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
