Who are RJ Mitte’s parents? Breaking Bad star’s mom shares posts mourning the loss of her son

Actor, film producer, and disability rights activist RJ Mitte died by suicide at his home in Brownsville, Texas, on October 12. He was 34. His representative confirmed the cause of death with Variety and further stated:

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte. Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”

RJ Mitte, whose full name was Roy Frank Mitte III, famously played Walter White Jr. on all five seasons of the hit neo-Western crime drama Breaking Bad between 2008 and 2013.

RJ was the son of Roy Frank Mitte Jr. and Dyna Mitte. His mother is now mourning his loss via Facebook and reposting tributes on her account. For instance, she reshared the official statement from the Mitte Cultural District. Part of it read:

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Mitte Cultural District shares the news of the passing of RJ Mitte, President of the Mitte Foundation, beloved friend, and dedicated champion of the arts whose commitment to Brownsville will forever be part of our community's story. RJ was more than a supporter of the Mitte Cultural District. He was a friend, a partner, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of arts and culture to bring people together.”

The Children’s Museum of Brownsville released a statement expressing their sadness and called RJ a “cherished partner in our museum’s history.”

“RJ was more than a founding partner of the museum. His commitment to our mission carried forward the legacy of his grandparents. His grandfather, a Brownsville native, believed that every child deserved the opportunity to grow and learn in a safe and loving environment. That belief remains at the heart of everything we do,” the museum stated.

They continued:

“We will remember RJ with profound gratitude for his kindness, leadership, and dedication to children and families. His legacy will live on through every child who discovers, creates, and learns through play at our museum.”

A former Texas educator, Frances Thrailkill, also paid her respects on social media, which was reposted by Dyna Mitte.

“Life is so short, and tomorrow is never promised. These were the last pictures we took with RJ Mitte on his 34th birthday [August 21]. Never would we have imagined that these would be our last pictures together. Life can change in the blink of an eye. You never know when a hug, a smile, a laugh, or a simple goodbye will be the very last one… RJ, we will forever cherish these beautiful memories,” the tribute read.

RJ’s mother also reposted a September 2022 post by then-Mayor of Brownsville Trey Mendez, who wrote about having lunch with the actor and his mission and work at the Mitte Foundation.

All you need to know about RJ Mitte’s family

RJ Mitte was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 21, 1992. A few weeks after his birth, he was adopted by Roy Frank Mitte Jr. and Dyna Mitte. When he was two months old, his parents divorced, and he grew up on his paternal grandparents’ Texas ranch and his maternal grandparents’ Louisiana farm.

In an August 2019 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, RJ explained:

“I was about six when I was told that I was adopted. My stepbrother heard my mom and my then-stepdad talking and said to me, ‘You are adopted. They don’t love you.’ I didn’t believe him, but my parents confirmed that I was. I was like, ‘Okay.’”

The Guardians of Justice actor mentioned that he “never felt the need” to track down his biological parents. He explained:

“Medically, I’d like to know my family history, but until I feel that need, I have enough family and friends. I don’t need any more.”

RJ Mitte also clarified that Dyna Mitte adopted him because she had ovarian cancer and was told she couldn’t have children. However, 11 years later, Dyna welcomed her daughter Lacianne. Unfortunately, the single mother was in a car accident and was partially paralysed for six years, when RJ took care of her and his sister.

“After the accident, she was fired from her job. She was a single parent and we had just moved into a new place in Louisiana and feared we would lose everything. I mowed lawns, picked up stuff and took it places. I did whatever I could to scrape cash together. I have devoted my life to my mom and my sister, and I still take care of them today,” Mitte told the SMH.

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According to Variety, the Brownsville Police Department responded to a call they received at 12:50 PM on Monday and declared RJ dead around 1:32 PM.

At the time of his death, Mitte was actively promoting his upcoming film Talking to Strangers.

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