‘Breaking Bad’ cast pay tribute to RJ Mitte, who died aged 34

The cast of Breaking Bad have paid tribute to Walter Jr. actor RJ Mitte, who passed away yesterday (Monday October 12).

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” Mitte’s representatives said in a statement. “Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”

The actor’s publicist confirmed that Mitte took his own life (via The Guardian).

Mitte first appeared as Walter Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s high school teacher turned drug kingpin Walter White, aged 15. He went on to star in 56 episodes of the critically acclaimed TV show. Mitte also had roles in Switched At Birth, The Guardians of Justice, Who’s Driving Doug, Time Share and Triumph, which he also served as executive producer for.

Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ
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…

— Dean Norris (@deanjnorris) October 12, 2026

Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three, became a Screen Actors Guild spokesman for actors with disabilities. He was also a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and  founded the non-profit Mitte Foundation to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, using his platform “to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities” (via The BBC).

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” wrote Bryan Cranston in an emotional tribute. “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 parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organisation with a focus on helping the disabled community.”

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“All that promise and potential now is such a loss,” Cranston continued. “It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch. 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.”

“RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” said Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad. “And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”

“He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed,” said Dean Norris, who played Mitte’s uncle Hank Schrader. “This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”

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RIP RJ👼
I love you and I'll miss you little
brother 🫶 pic.twitter.com/PXM6rJd3We

— Daniel Moncada (@DanielMoncadaTV) October 13, 2026

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