Bryan Cranston 'in deep despair' after RJ Mitte's death
Bryan Cranston has declared he's in "in deep despair" following the death of his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who took his own life on Monday (12.10.26) at the age of 34.
Bryan Cranston is in "in deep despair" following the death of his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte.
The actor - who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three and went on to play Bryan's onscreen son Walter, Jr. in the hit drama - died on Monday (12.10.26) after taking his own life at the age of 34 and Bryan has now remembered him in a heartbreaking tribute and called the tragedy "especially devastating".
In a post on Instagram, Bryan 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.
"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."
He added of RJ's acting ability: "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."
Bryan went on to mourn his loss and reveal they were in touch only a "few weeks ago", writing: "All that promise and potential now is such a loss. 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. I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope."
RJ's loss was also mourned by fellow Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul said in a statement released via 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."
Dean Norris - who played Walt Jr's uncle Hank Schrader, wrote: "Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set.
"He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family."
The tragedy was confirmed in a statement through RJ's representative, which read: “It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.
"RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad.
"Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.
"Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s."
