RJ Mitte, who played Walter "Flynn" White Jr. on AMC's "Breaking Bad" and became one of Hollywood's most visible disability-rights advocates, died Monday at 34. His representative confirmed the death and said it was by suicide, according to People.

Mitte, who has cerebral palsy, spent five seasons playing the teenage son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White on the AMC drama, which ran from 2008 to 2013 and remains one of the most acclaimed series in television history. His casting — an actor who actually lives with a disability, in a role written for one — was frequently cited by advocates as a rare instance of authentic representation on a major network show, and he used the platform for advocacy work for years afterward, telling interviewers, as cited by the BBC, that "disabled or not, everyone deserves an opportunity."

Cranston, who played Mitte's father for five seasons, posted an emotional tribute. "I loved him. I'll miss you, son," he wrote, in a message widely shared across entertainment outlets including TMZ.

"I LOVED HIM. I'LL MISS YOU, SON."

Fellow cast members, who built a close-knit ensemble over the show's run, joined Cranston in mourning Mitte publicly in the hours after the news broke, with outlets describing the reaction across the "Breaking Bad" family as one of shock and grief. Mitte's upcoming film, "Forgotten Outlaw," has been put on hold following his death, though the project's director has said he intends to still finish it, per TMZ.

A career built on breaking barriers

Mitte spoke often in interviews over the past decade about the importance of authentic disability casting in Hollywood, and leveraged the fame that followed "Breaking Bad" into modeling campaigns, public speaking and advocacy work, becoming a familiar voice on inclusion in the industry long after the show ended its run.

No funeral or memorial details had been made public as of Tuesday, and his family has not released a statement beyond confirming the cause of death through his representative. The investigation into his death remains open.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text, free and confidential, 24/7.