Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston has spoken of his “deep despair” following the death of his co-star and on-screen son RJ Mitte.
On Monday night, Bryan shared his heartbreak in light of the news that RJ had been found dead at his home, at the age of 34.
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” he recalled on Instagram. “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 continued: “[RJ] 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 organisation with a focus on helping the disabled community.
“All that promise and potential now is such a loss.”
Bryan said it was “especially devastating” to read reports that RJ had taken his own life, lamenting: “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,” he concluded, while sharing resources for anyone in the US struggling with suicidal feelings.
Aaron Paul told The Hollywood Reporter: “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.”
Cast member Dean Norris also wrote 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.
“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.”
RJ’s rep confirmed on Monday: “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 [his Breaking Bad role] and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
Police in Brownsville, Texas previously said that the “cause and manner” of RJ’s death “are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation”, though a judge noted that there was no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
