Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte has died by suicide, his representative has confirmed, prompting an outpouring of grief from his former co-stars. Bryan Cranston, who played his on-screen father in the hit drama, shared their final messages as he spoke of his profound 'despair'.
Mitte, who was 34, was found dead at his home by the Brownsville Police Department following a call received at 12.50pm on Monday. He was best known for portraying Walter White Jr in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013, appearing in all five seasons alongside Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn.
Cranston's Heartfelt Tribute
Much like his character, Mitte himself lived with cerebral palsy, a role that brought him widespread recognition and admiration.
Cranston, who played Mitte's on-screen father Walter White, paid a heartfelt tribute to the young actor, revealing the pair had recently been exchanging messages and making plans to meet for lunch. In a deeply moving statement, Cranston 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."
Actor's Growth and Advocacy
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."
Aaron Paul and Representative's Statements
The Hollywood star went on to say: "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, Mitte's co-star who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, also paid his respects to the actor. 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 released a statement saying: "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."
