RJ Mitte's haunting texts as he struggled to find work in Hollywood before death at 34
RJ Mitte's haunting texts as he struggled to find work in Hollywood before death at 34
Scarlett O'TooleWed, October 14, 2026 at 6:33 AM UTC
0
RJ Mitte opened up about his struggles -Credit:Getty Images (Getty Images)Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte sadly died on October 12 at the age of 34, with the Netflix star admitting he struggled to find work in Hollywood in a series of text messages
RJ Mitte admitted he struggled to find work in Hollywood as casting directors overlooked him due to his disability.
The actor, who starred in the hit Netflix show Breaking Bad, sadly died at the age of 34 on October 12. He was later ruled to have died by suicide. Mitte, who like his Breaking Bad character was born with cerebral palsy, spent years trying to get casting directors to create more opportunities for disabled actors.
In a series of text messages sent before his death, Mitte admitted he was devastated at being overlooked for roles due to his disability, despite having starred in a hugely successful show. He also spoke about his hope of making more Breaking Bad episodes in the future.
• CNN's Kaitlan Collins' brutal verdict on Katie Zacharia's White House debut
• Karoline Leavitt's late warning as White House blindsided by Katie Zacharia appointment
In messages Mitte sent to a long-time friend over eight years, he admitted that while he had been rejected by casting directors, he remained optimistic about developing his own projects and being an advocate for other disabled performers.
In a text dated April 7, 2017, and which was obtained by the Daily Mail, Mitte wrote, "When I go for a part, they sometimes tell me that it's not a character with a disability, and I'm like why can't the character be disabled?"
Advertisement
RJ Mitte starred in Breaking Bad as Walter White Jr -Credit:Netflix
Mitte admitted casting directors would get "real uncomfortable" when he asked that. He also suggested an actor with a disability could bring depth to a character without the story needing to focus on the disability.
"I can do any role, but some of [the casting agents and directors] are a--h---s who won't even look at me," he said in another message. "I want to put them on blast, but I won't now."
In another message, he described the entertainment industry as "brutal" after a pilot he worked on wasn't picked up. While Mitte managed to find some roles outside of America, he told his friend he hoped that would change.
"I hope I can find stuff here. I would like to work enough to keep my [health] insurance. Pain in the a-- lol," one text message from the actor read.
He sadly died aged 34 -Credit:Getty Images for Audi
Mitte's death was announced in a statement by his representatives. It read, "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte."
Mitte's representatives pointed out how he used his public profile to champion disability awareness and inclusion, writing, "Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s." Mitte also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting charitable projects and community initiatives.
TMZ reported the actor died by suicide after a county official confirmed the actor died in Texas on October 12. Law enforcement told the outlet that the investigation remained ongoing.
If in the United States, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to 988 Lifeline.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
