Bryan Cranston has issued a heartfelt tribute to RJ Mitte, the actor who portrayed his on-screen son in the critically acclaimed series “Breaking Bad,” following reports of Mitte’s death at the age of 34.
On Monday, the Tony Award-winning actor expressed his grief on social media, revealing that Mitte died by suicide. “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” Cranston wrote. “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 highlighted Mitte’s resilience, noting that the actor was born with cerebral palsy but never allowed it to hinder his career. He recalled Mitte’s determination to meet the show’s demanding shooting schedule head-on.
The “Breaking Bad” star also shared personal memories of their time together, describing Mitte as a “pretty raw” young actor during the pilot filming in February 2007 who grew into a fine performer over the series’ five-season run. Beyond his acting, Cranston praised Mitte for becoming a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities and for leading the Mitte Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting the disabled community.
In a particularly poignant moment, Cranston reflected on recent communications with his former co-star. “We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch,” he said. “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.”
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. Throughout his career, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s Hospitals. In 2013, shortly after “Breaking Bad” concluded, he was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award, which recognizes disabled actors for their contributions to representation and awareness.
During his time on “Breaking Bad,” which aired from 2008 to 2013, Mitte appeared in 56 of the show’s 62 episodes. His other notable roles include Campbell Bingman on ABC Family’s “Switched at Birth” and Mind Master in the 2022 Netflix series “The Guardians of Justice.” At the time of his death, he was actively promoting his role in the upcoming film “Talking to Strangers,” directed by Johnny Severin.
Dean Norris, who played DEA agent Hank Schrader on the series, also paid tribute to his late co-star. “Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ,” Norris posted 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.”
Suicide claims another young star. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for better mental health support in the entertainment industry.
Heartbreaking news. Cranston’s tribute highlights how far RJ came from that pilot episode. Such a talented man.