HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Actor and advocate RJ Mitte is dead at the age of 34, the Brownsville Police Department confirmed Monday.
The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, police say.
Mitte is known for his roles in various television shows including Breaking Bad, The Oak Room, The Recall, and The Guardians of Justice.
Mitte is also known for his role as the president of the Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation and his involvement in the Mitte Cultural District, a newly designated Texas Cultural District in Brownsville.
The district includes the Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Brownsville, Camille Playhouse, Brownsville Historical Association, George Ramirez Performing Arts Center, historic spaces, and creative organizations throughout the district.
The Mitte Cultural District and its board of directors released a statement on Mitte's death.
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. He believed that the Mitte Cultural District could serve as a bridge connecting generations, cultures, abilities, and communities through shared experiences and creative expression. His commitment to Brownsville and his family's philanthropic legacy helped shape an extraordinary chapter in our cultural history, including our recent designation as a Texas Cultural District.RJ's advocacy for inclusion and accessibility reflected the very heart of our mission: creating a cultural community where differences are celebrated, barriers are removed, and the arts belong to everyone. As we mourn this tremendous loss, we extend our deepest condolences to RJ's family, loved ones, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. We will honor his memory by continuing the work he believed in, building bridges through the arts, creating opportunities for inclusion, and ensuring that Brownsville's cultural community continues to thrive. RJ, thank you for believing in Brownsville, for believing in our artists, and for helping us build a legacy that will connect our community for generations to come. Your legacy will forever be woven into the story of the Mitte Cultural District.
RJ was a tremendous asset to our community, and we are devastated by this loss. His commitment to Brownsville and the Mitte Cultural District went far beyond philanthropy. He genuinely believed in our community, our artists, and the power of arts and culture to bring people together.
RJ understood the importance of carrying forward his family's legacy while helping us build something meaningful for future generations. His friendship, generosity, and belief in Brownsville will never be forgotten.
RJ believed in Brownsville. He believed in our artists, our children, our cultural institutions, and the incredible potential of this community. But more importantly, he believed in bringing people together. He understood that the arts are a bridge — a bridge between generations, between cultures, between people of different abilities and backgrounds, and between where a community has been and where it dreams of going. RJ was part of our cultural family. He celebrated our milestones, believed in our vision, and reminded us that the work we do here matters far beyond Brownsville. We will miss his friendship, his encouragement, and his unwavering belief in what this community could become.
The Children's Museum of Brownsville
The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is deeply saddened by the passing of RJ Mitte, Board President of the Mitte Foundation and a cherished partner in our museum’s story 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 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. On behalf of our board, staff, and the families we serve, we extend our heartfelt condolences to RJ’s family, loved ones, and the Mitte Foundation. We are honored to carry his family’s vision forward for generations to come.
