How Breaking Bad's RJ Mitte changed the way we see cerebral palsy

RJ Mitte, the actor known for playing Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. in the TV series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. The BBC reports that Mitte died by suicide on Monday. Mitte, who had cerebral palsy, was also an advocate for disability representation and worked with charities including United Cerebral Palsy and Can Do Canines, as well as creating The Mitte Foundation.

Fellow actors and advocates paid tribute to Mitte's impact. Ruth Madeley, who has spina bifida, said his on-screen presence showed young disabled people that acting was possible. Keron Day, who appeared in Sex Education, said Mitte's legacy is that "disabled people having careers within the creative industries."

Emma Livingstone, CEO of Up - the Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, praised his role in Breaking Bad for not making the disability the focus of the character.

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three and cast in Breaking Bad at 14. He had hinted earlier this month that he might be interested in continuing the show's story. His other credits included Hannah Montana and Switched at Birth.