Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr, the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin in the acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad”, died on Monday at the age of 34.
Mitte’s death in Brownsville, Texas, was confirmed in a statement released through the talent management agency that represented him. The statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of his death, Reuters reported.
advertisement
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the statement said.
Mitte, who had cerebral palsy in real life, drew on his personal experience to portray Walter White Jr, also known as Flynn, in the AMC crime drama. The character uses crutches and has a speech impairment, reflecting aspects of Mitte’s own condition.
The series follows Walter White, a terminally ill high school chemistry teacher who enters the criminal underworld by manufacturing crystal methamphetamine. As the story progresses, Walter White Jr’s relationship with his father becomes increasingly complicated as the truth about his secret identity, Heisenberg, comes to light.
“Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” the agency’s statement said.
Beyond acting, Mitte was an advocate for people with disabilities and supported several philanthropic organisations focused on raising awareness and funds for cerebral palsy and other disorders affecting muscle control. He served as a Screen Actors Guild spokesman for performers with disabilities and as a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy.
“Breaking Bad”, widely regarded by critics as one of television’s greatest dramas, ran from 2008 to 2013 and won 16 Emmy Awards, including two for outstanding drama series.
Mitte later starred in the 2021 coming-of-age drama “Triumph”, in which he played a high school wrestler with cerebral palsy. His work on and off screen helped bring greater visibility to people with disabilities and promote inclusion in the entertainment industry.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
