American actor RJ Mitte has died at his home in Texas at the age of 34. The star, who had been living with cerebral palsy, has been remembered as a "beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate".
Bryan Cranston leads tributes
Almost 20 years after Breaking Bad began, Bryan Cranston paid tribute to his on-screen son, sharing on Instagram: "I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died."
Cranston added: "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 also said: "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."
Co-stars pay their respects
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad, said on X: "I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set."
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, mourned his death in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, sharing: "I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed."
Actress and disability rights activist Marlee Matlin said on Instagram: "My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You'll always have a place in my heart."
His Switched at Birth co-star, Lea Thompson, also paid tribute. Mitte, whose Breaking Bad character Walter Jr also had cerebral palsy, went on to build a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.
