Bryan Cranston leads tributes to onscreen ‘Breaking Bad’ son RJ Mitte after death, co-stars join in
Mitte was widely recognised for playing Walter White Jr. in Vince Gilligan’s Emmy-winning crime drama,
RJ Mitte’s Breaking Bad co-stars, including Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris, have paid tribute to the actor following reports of his death at the age of 34.
Mitte died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, as confirmed by his representatives. No official cause of death was disclosed, although TMZ reported that he died by suicide.
Mitte was widely recognised for playing Walter White Jr., the son of Cranston and Anna Gunn’s characters, in Vince Gilligan’s Emmy-winning crime drama, which ran for five seasons between 2008 and 2013.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, he later became an advocate for disability rights and greater representation in the entertainment industry.
Cranston shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, recalling meeting Mitte when he was 14 and praising his determination, enthusiasm and growth as an actor.
“He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid,” Cranston wrote, reflecting on their years working together.
He also highlighted Mitte’s advocacy for performers with disabilities and described his death as a devastating loss.
Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, expressed his grief in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” he said.
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, also remembered Mitte fondly. “He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed,” Norris said.
Cranston concluded his tribute by encouraging anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
