LONDON, Oct 13 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- United States (US) actor RJ Mitte, best known for starring opposite Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34, PA Media/dpa reported.
The TV star rose to fame in his role as Cranston's on-screen son Walter White Jr in the Emmy-winning series, and used his platform to advocate for disability rights from his experience of living with cerebral palsy.
Mitte's death was announced by his representatives on Monday, according to reports.
Mitte, real name Roy Frank Mitte III, was an actor and producer who started his career in entertainment playing minor roles in sitcoms such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.
He made a name for himself in 2008 after landing a lead role in hit crime series Breaking Bad, starring as the son of mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin.
Mitte first appeared in the series aged 15 and had a recurring role until its conclusion in 2013, featuring alongside Hollywood stars such as Cranston and Aaron Paul, as well as Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk, and Dean Norris.
Norris, who played Mitte's uncle and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, described the actor as a kind of son to him in a tribute on his social media.
"Oh my God! Was working (and) just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken," Norris wrote.
"Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can't believe it. Thinking of him and his family."
Mitte also landed TV roles in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse, and Chance, and has featured in films such as Time Share, Dixieland, and Westhampton.
During his varied career, Mitte walked the catwalk for a Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and also presented part of Channel 4's coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics.
Mitte has also appeared in several music videos, working with the likes of English band Nothing But Thieves and US rockers Hollywood Undead.
At the age of three, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which the National Health Service (NHS) describes as the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination caused by a problem with the brain that develops around birth.
Mitte was outspoken about his disability and passionate about using his platform as an actor to educate and inform viewers.
He was also an ambassador for several disability and health organisations, including United Cerebral Palsy, Shriners Children's, and Can Do Canines. Mitte was the president of the Mitte Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships to those in need.
US actor and singer Vincent Martella, best known for lending his voice to Disney Channel animated series Phineas and Ferb, shared a tribute to X as he reacted to the "devastating" news.
"What a kind and wonderful person. Devastating," he wrote.
"So young and genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to. This is truly awful. Sending love to his family."
-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa
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