Bryan Cranston dedicated an emotional message to RJ Mitte, the actor who brought his son to life in Breaking Bad, following the news of his death on Monday at the age of 34. Mitte, also a recognized activist for the rights of people with disabilities, passed away at his home in Brownsville, Texas.
Cranston shared the news via his Instagram account this evening. In his post, the actor expressed the deep sadness caused by the loss of the man who played Walter White Jr., the son of the protagonist of the series created by Vince Gilligan.
What Bryan Cranston said about the death of RJ Mitte
I am in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son in Breaking Bad, has died, wrote Cranston in his post. The actor recalled that Mitte was only 14 years old when production on the series began in February 2007.
That kid was quite a novice when we started shooting the pilot, but little by little we saw him become a truly good actor, Cranston stated about his co-star. The actor also highlighted Mitte's work as an advocate for performers with disabilities and his role leading a philanthropic organization focused on helping the disability community.
All that potential and promise now represents a huge loss, added Cranston in his message.
The actor confirmed that the cause of death was suicide
It is especially devastating to know that he took his own life. Why? We were texting just a few weeks ago, seeing when we could meet for lunch. I don't know if that meal would have changed his future, wrote Cranston.
The actor closed his tribute with words of affection for his former co-star: But I do know that I loved him and that I enjoyed being with him so much over the years on the series, and after the lights of Breaking Bad went out. I will miss you, son.
The character of Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad
RJ Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of the chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer who sometimes operated under the alias Heisenberg, in homage to the German physicist Werner Heisenberg. For most of the series' five seasons, Mitte's character, who had cerebral palsy, was unaware of his father's true criminal identity.
Walter White's son only discovered the truth near the end of the final season, in the heartbreaking episode Ozymandias. Breaking Bad, considered one of the best television series in history, aired between 2008 and 2013.
The reunion with the cast at the 2024 SAG Awards
Cranston also recalled a special moment shared with Mitte and the rest of the cast. Along with his co-stars Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul, Cranston and Mitte appeared together on stage at the 2024 SAG Awards in a sort of Breaking Bad reunion. The quartet presented the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series together, an award that Breaking Bad had won in that same category in 2014.
What is known about the circumstances of the death
Authorities in Cameron County, Texas, reported on Monday that an autopsy will be performed on RJ Mitte in the coming days. The actor died at his home in Brownsville at the age of 34.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. In Spain, you can call 024, the suicide prevention helpline.
Frequently asked questions about the death of RJ Mitte
How did RJ Mitte, the actor from Breaking Bad, die?
As confirmed by Bryan Cranston in his tribute message, RJ Mitte took his own life. He passed away on Monday at his home in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 34. Cameron County authorities indicated that an autopsy will be performed in the coming days.
What character did RJ Mitte play in Breaking Bad?
RJ Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of the series' protagonist, a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer also known as Heisenberg. Mitte's character had cerebral palsy, just like the actor himself in real life.
What did Bryan Cranston say about the death of RJ Mitte?
Bryan Cranston posted a message on Instagram deeply lamenting the loss of the man who played his son on screen. The actor recalled his evolution as a performer since the start of the series and his work as an activist for the rights of people with disabilities, and said goodbye to Mitte with the words I will miss you, son.
How old was RJ Mitte when he started filming Breaking Bad?
RJ Mitte was only 14 years old when filming began for the Breaking Bad pilot episode in February 2007. According to Cranston, as the seasons progressed, the young actor matured notably in his performance.
Did Bryan Cranston and RJ Mitte meet up after Breaking Bad ended?
Yes. In 2024, Cranston and Mitte reunited on stage at the SAG Awards alongside Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul, presenting the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series together. Cranston also mentioned that they were still in contact recently, exchanging messages to organize a lunch.
