Bryan Cranston has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte following the actor’s death at the age of 34.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in all five seasons of the hugely popular AMC series, died on Monday, October 12.
His representative confirmed the devastating news to PEOPLE, later revealing that the actor and disability rights activist had died by suicide.
Cranston, 70, who played Mitte’s on-screen father Walter White, took to Instagram to reflect on their relationship, revealing he was in “deep despair” following the news.
“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,” Cranston, 70, wrote. “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.”
The actor recalled watching Mitte develop his acting abilities throughout their time working together, having first met him during the show’s early production.
“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,” Cranston added.
Beyond his television career, Mitte became a prominent advocate for performers with disabilities, something Cranston also recognised in his tribute.
However, one particularly painful detail emerged when Cranston revealed that the pair had exchanged messages just weeks before Mitte’s death.
They had discussed meeting for lunch, an arrangement that now carries heartbreaking significance for the veteran actor.
“I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future…,” Cranston wrote. “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.”
He ended his personal tribute with four emotional words: “I’ll miss you, son.”
Cranston also encouraged anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek support, sharing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and reminding people: “There is hope.”
His message was among several tributes from the Breaking Bad cast.
Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader, described Mitte’s death as “heartbreaking”.
“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,” Norris, 63, said. “I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, also expressed his devastation.
“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul said. “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Mitte’s career extended beyond Breaking Bad, with appearances in Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice, Hannah Montana, and Everybody Hates Chris.
He also received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award in 2013 for his work on Breaking Bad.
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Featured image credit: AMC
