RJ Mitte, of Brownsville, has died at 34, according to a statement from the Mitte Cultural District.
Mitte was a disability-rights activist who carried on his family’s legacy of supporting the arts in Brownsville. He served as president of the Mitte Foundation, which described him as a “beloved friend, and dedicated champion of the arts whose commitment to Brownsville will forever be part of our community’s story.”
“He believed that the Mitte Cultural District could serve as a bridge connecting generations, cultures, abilities, and communities through shared experiences and creative expression,” the foundation said in a statement. “His commitment to Brownsville and his family’s philanthropic legacy helped shape an extraordinary chapter in our cultural history, including our recent designation as a Texas Cultural District.”
Reba Cardenas McNair, chair of the Mitte Cultural District Board of Directors, in a statement called Mitte a tremendous asset to the community whose loss was devastating.
“His commitment to Brownsville and the Mitte Cultural District went far beyond philanthropy. He genuinely believed in our community, our artists, and the power of arts and culture to bring people together,” Cardenas McNair said. “RJ understood the importance of carrying forward his family’s legacy while helping us build something meaningful for future generations. His friendship, generosity, and belief in Brownsville will never be forgotten.”
Daniella Lopez Valdez, executive director of the Mitte Cultural District, said Mitte understood that the arts are a bridge between people’s generations, cultures, abilities and backgrounds.
“RJ’s advocacy for inclusion and accessibility reflected the very heart of our mission: creating a cultural community where differences are celebrated, barriers are removed, and the arts belong to everyone,” Lopez Valdez said in a statement. “As we mourn this tremendous loss, we extend our deepest condolences to RJ’s family, loved ones, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”
The Brownsville Police Department confirmed Monday that Mitte died in the city.
“The cause and manner of death remain pending an official determination,” a statement from the department said. “The investigation remains ongoing.”
Mitte starred in the Emmy-winning series “Breaking Bad“ and played the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White. He was a disability-rights activist from his experiences living with cerebral palsy, according to Deadline.
Tributes and condolences from elected officials and former co-stars started pouring in Monday evening.
Mitte’s TV father, Cranston, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram where he lamented that the two were texting a few weeks ago and figuring out when they could meet for lunch.
“I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future…” Cranston wrote. “But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed… I’ll miss you, son.”
He also shared meeting Mitte when he was 14 and would listen to the advice given by Cranston and his TV mom, Anna Gunn who played Skyler White in the show.
“That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor,” Cranston said. “He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community.”
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, shared a statement to The Hollywood Reporter in response to the news:
“I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, the uncle of Walter White Jr., wrote on social media that he’s heartbroken after finding out about Mitte’s death.
“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,” Norris wrote. “This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Oscar-winning actor Marlee Martin, who had a recurring role in “Switched at Birth” in which Mitte also had a guest role in, took to social media regarding the news.
“My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte,” Martin wrote. “You will always have a place in my heart. RIP”
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Brownsville, also provided condolences on social media.
“I’m saddened by the passing of RJ Mitte, a talented actor, disability-rights activist, and President of the Mitte Foundation,” Gonzalez said. “RJ’s commitment to supporting the arts in Brownsville and making the world a more inclusive place will have a lasting impact on generations to come.”
Sen. Adam Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, made similar remarks regarding Mitte’s investment in Brownsville as well as offered condolences to his family and loved ones.
“He believed in the city’s potential and committed his time and resources to helping its cultural institutions grow and serve more families,” Hinojosa said via social media. “The opportunities he helped create will benefit residents for years to come, and his passing is a painful loss for this community.”
The city of Brownsville extended condolences to Mitte’s family, friends and loved ones, writing in a social media post that it is joining the community in mourning.
“His work with The Mitte Foundation, his contributions and dedication to Brownsville, and the countless lives he touched will always be remembered,” the city said in its statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone who loved RJ Mitte.”
Mitte is the grandson of Roy F. Mitte, who hails from Brownsville and whose foundation, the Austin-based Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation, donated $3 million in 1998 to restore Dean Porter Park and create the Mitte Cultural District in town.
Mitte was also involved in the local community, from serving as parade marshall during Charro Days in 2022 to participating in the South Texas Comic Con.
He would also bring a piece of Hollywood to the Valley with the screening of his 2021 film “Triumph” where he plays a character with cerebral palsy, which Mitte and the film’s writer Michael D. Coffey both have.
Mitte invited local organizations Down by the Border, Roca, the Moody Clinic and Capable Kids to attend the premiere in Brownsville.
“The more they can see someone persevere, the better I believe in the future. We just wanted as many people as part of the local community to have a tie to this film,” he said in 2021.
Editor’s note: This story’s headline has been updated for clarity. It has also been updated to include new information.