RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter "Flynn" White Jr in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34.

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul led tributes to their co-star, who began his career with minor roles in shows such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.

In a statement, his representative said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte."

His big break came in 2008 as the son of mild-mannered chemistry teacher Walter White, who transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin.

Mitte appeared throughout the five seasons of the show - which recently ranked as the best of the 21st century in a New York Times poll.

In an emotional Instagram post, Bryan Cranston, who played his on-screen father, said the pair had exchanged text messages in recent weeks and tried to arrange a catch-up.

He wrote: "I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.

"I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm.

"Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything."

Fellow co-star Aaron Paul, who played Jessie Pinkman, told The Hollywood Reporter: "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 starred as DEA agent Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad, said he was "heartbroken".

He posted on Instagram: "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."

Other tributes came from Joe Vulpis, who recently interviewed Mitte for his podcast.

He wrote on Instagram: "I had the honour of sitting down with RJ Mitte not too long ago, and I can genuinely say he was such a kind, incredible, and gentle soul."

The episode - released six days ago - focused on his Breaking Bad role, an experience Mitte described as "unbelievable" and "life-changing".

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Real name Roy Frank Mitte III, Mitte used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities. He was also president of The Mitte Foundation and an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy.

His other TV roles included appearances in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance. He was also in films such as Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton.

In his last movie, Talking to Strangers, he starred as a man with cerebral palsy who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young woman.

(c) Sky News 2026: Bryan Cranston in 'deep despair' after death of Breaking Bad actor