WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Bryan Cranston mourned Breaking Bad costar RJ Mitte, who died at age 34.
  • Cranston remembered meeting Mitte at 14 and praised his determination, acting growth, and disability advocacy.
  • Aaron Paul said he was heartbroken and reminded readers that they are loved and not alone.
  • Mitte is survived by his fiancée, Kennedy Suarez, whom he began dating in 2018.

Bryan Cranston has shared an emotional tribute to his late Breaking Bad costar RJ Mitte, describing his grief after the actor and disability rights activist died at 34. Cranston remembered Mitte as a determined performer whom he first met when the young actor was only 14, as reported by Yahoo.

A representative announced Mitte’s death on Monday. The representative reported that Mitte, who was born Frank "RJ" Mitte III, had died by suicide.

Mitte portrayed Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, playing the son of Cranston’s character, Walter White. Following the announcement, Cranston addressed the loss in a heartfelt statement posted to Instagram.

Shocking Loss: ‘Breaking Bad’ Star RJ Mitte Dies Suddenly at 34
Image Credit: Beachside Stock

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"I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad, has died."

Cranston recalled meeting Mitte when he joined the crime drama series as a teenager. The role would place the young actor alongside Cranston as part of the White family portrayed onscreen.

"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 wrote.

The actor also reflected on the determination Mitte showed while working through the series’ demanding production schedule. Cranston specifically addressed Mitte’s experience of being born with cerebral palsy and the attitude he brought to his work.

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"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 said Mitte was "pretty raw" when he became part of the pilot in February 2007. According to Cranston, Mitte developed into a "really fine" actor as his work on the series continued.

Mitte’s efforts extended beyond acting. Cranston remembered how his costar used his experience on Breaking Bad to become an outspoken advocate for performers with disabilities.

"He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community. All that promise and potential now is such a loss," the 70-year-old continued.

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Cranston also said he and Mitte had remained in regular contact. That ongoing connection made the circumstances surrounding Mitte’s death "especially devastating" for him to hear.

The Emmy Award winner’s tribute focused on the affection he continued to feel for Mitte both during Breaking Bad and after the attention surrounding the acclaimed crime drama had faded. He closed that portion of his message with a deeply personal farewell.

"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 reflected.

Aaron Paul, another member of the Breaking Bad cast, also mourned Mitte following the announcement. Paul played Jesse Pinkman on the series and shared his reaction in comments to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I am at a loss," Paul said. "I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend."

Paul then turned his message toward anyone reading who might also be struggling, offering words intended to remind them that they were not alone.

"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," Paul added.

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Mitte is survived by his fiancée, Kennedy Suarez. The couple began dating in 2018, according to the account of his death.

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