Bryan Cranston Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late ‘Breaking Bad’ Co-Star RJ Mitte

Bryan Cranston shared a touching tribute following the death of RJ Mitte, who passed away on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 34. A representative confirmed to People that the actor died by suicide.

Mitte was widely recognized for his role as Walter White Jr., the son of Cranston and Anna Gunn’s characters, Walter and Skyler White, in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad. The Emmy-winning drama ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2013. During his time on the show, Mitte earned a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy at age three, Mitte brought authenticity and depth to his portrayal of a character facing similar challenges. His compelling performance earned widespread recognition, including the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award in 2013, honoring the legacy of the first actor with a disability to win an Academy Award.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” Cranston expressed in a social media post featuring a photo of himself with Mitte. “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.”

Cranston reflected on Mitte’s growth as an actor, saying, “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 used his experience on the show to become a strong advocate for performers with disabilities, leading a philanthropic organization focused on supporting the disabled community.”

The actor expressed his grief over the lost potential, writing, “It is especially devastating to learn that he took his own life.” He questioned, “Why?” mentioning that just weeks before Mitte’s passing, they had been exchanging texts to arrange a lunch meeting. “I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future,” Cranston pondered.

“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,” Cranston concluded his tribute, encouraging those facing similar struggles to reach out to the 988 Lifeline and reminding them, “There is hope.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Dial 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ+ youth, can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. Find other international suicide helplines at Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org).

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