Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte died by suicide on Monday at age 34, his representative has confirmed. His on-screen father Bryan Cranston shared a heartbreaking tribute, revealing the pair had been texting recently and planning to meet for lunch.
Details of Death
Mitte was found dead at his home by the Brownsville Police Department, which received a call at 12.50pm on Monday, according to People. The actor had cerebral palsy, as did his Breaking Bad character.
Mitte was best known for playing Walter White Jr. in the Vince Gilligan-created drama, starring opposite Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn. He appeared in all five seasons of the show, which ran from 2008 to 2013.
Cranston's Tribute
Cranston wrote: “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.” He recalled meeting Mitte when he was 14 and praised his determination despite cerebral palsy.
“He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination,” Cranston said, adding that Mitte grew into “a really fine actor” and became “a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities.”
Cranston also shared the final messages exchanged between the pair: “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.”
Representative's Statement
Mitte's representative said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
The statement added that Mitte “built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion” through his role.
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