Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte died by suicide on Monday at the age of 34, his representative has confirmed. The actor, best known for his portrayal of Walter White Jr in the acclaimed drama, was found at his home by the Brownsville Police Department after they received a call at 12.50pm on Monday, according to People.
Co-stars Lead Tributes
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte's on-screen father, shared a deeply moving tribute in which he disclosed the pair had been making plans to meet up in the weeks prior to his death. Cranston revealed the two had been exchanging messages and arranging to meet for lunch in recent weeks.
The actor 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. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination."
Cranston continued: "Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him – but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way... He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid. That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor. He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community. All that promise and potential now is such a loss."
A Life of Advocacy
Mitte had featured in all five seasons of the series, which ran from 2008 to 2013. Much like his character, he lived with cerebral palsy. His representative 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."
Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, also paid his respects. He 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."
Final Words
Cranston added: "It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don't know if that lunch would have changed his future... But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed... I'll miss you, son."
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