Actor R.J. Mitte, the "Breaking Bad" actor who advocated for disability rights throughout his career, has died. He was 34.
Sean Reilly, a representative for Mitte, confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY that he died died Monday, Oct. 12, describing Mitte as a "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate."
Mitte became best known for his role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's anti-hero Walter White, on the critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning AMC series "Breaking Bad."
"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 read.
"Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world,
he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. 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."
It concluded: "At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte's family and close ones."
Born in Louisiana, Mitte starred in several other projects, with credits in "The Oak Room," "The Recall" and "The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!)."
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3 and used his platform in the public eye to advocate for disability awareness.
In 2014, he hosted an event for UNC Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization that pairs University of North Carolina students with community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"Having a disability, it's not a disability. It's knowledge that you can take into the world. It's something you can learn and grow from," he said at the time. "To me, normal is whatever you make it. Normal is wherever you find yourself belonging, normal is wherever you find yourself the happiest."
This story is developing.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' star, dies at 34
