RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in the hit drama Breaking Bad, died by suicide on Monday at age 34, his representative has confirmed. The actor's on-screen father Bryan Cranston shared their final messages as he expressed his 'despair' at the news.
Details of death
The Brownsville Police Department found Mitte dead at his home after receiving a call at 12.50pm on Monday, according to People. Like his character, Mitte also had cerebral palsy. He appeared in all five seasons of the show, which ran from 2008 to 2013.
Cranston's tribute
Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, shared a heartbreaking tribute in which he disclosed the pair had been planning to meet up in recent weeks. He 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.”
The actor 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.”
Aaron Paul and representative's tributes
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, also paid tribute. 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.”
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. “Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
