Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul has paid tribute to his co-star RJ Mitte, calling him “an inspiration for so many” after the actor’s death at the age of 34.
Mitte, who died by suicide, found fame as a teenager on the TV show, playing the son of drug kingpin Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston.
Paul, who starred as Jesse Pinkman, shared a video of Mitte advocating for mental health awareness alongside an emotional tribute to the actor, who lived with cerebral palsy.
Paul’s tribute to Mitte
In the tribute, Paul wrote: “You have always been an inspiration for so many. I am so sorry you were hurting my friend. I wish we knew.
“You constantly had a smile on your face and you took every single challenge that was given to you with such confidence and grace.
“I met you when you were a little boy and watched you grow into a beautiful young man. Taking on every challenge head on.
“The last time we saw each other I kept calling you Superman. You reminded me of him. You reminded me of him because you always led with kindness and strength. It was blinding.
“You were born into a world with challenges but you never let any of that stand in your way.
“I’m so sorry RJ. What an absolute tragic loss. I love you my friend. I loved your mother. Your sister. I loved your laugh and how much fun you had riding the wave we were all blessed to be on with Breaking Bad.
“I hope whoever is reading this note that feels lost or sad or uncertain about the future please say something. Life is so damn special.
“It’s impossible that we exist, but yet we all are here. There is so much going on in all of our lives but far too much beauty in this world to ignore.
“We need to focus on that. We must suffocate the noise and focus on each other. Hold each other up. That’s what this life is all about. Connect with someone you care about and say I love you.
“RJ, I love you my friend. I’m so sorry.”
Mitte’s career and advocacy
Mitte starred as Walter “Flynn” White Jr in the Emmy-winning show, which ran for five series from 2008 to 2013, and used his platform to advocate for disability rights from his experience of living with cerebral palsy.
Mitte, real name Roy Frank Mitte III, was an actor and producer who started his career in entertainment playing minor roles in sitcoms such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.
Mitte first appeared in Breaking Bad aged 15 and had a recurring role until its conclusion in 2013, featuring alongside major stars such as Cranston and Paul, as well as Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk and Dean Norris.
At the age of three, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which the NHS describes as the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination caused by a problem with the brain that develops around birth.
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