RJ Mitte dies by suicide: 'Breaking Bad' co-stars pay tribute

Pic: AP

Actor RJ Mitte, best known for portraying Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed television series ‘Breaking Bad’, has tragically passed away. He was 34. According to media reports, the actor and disability rights advocate died by suicide, his representatives confirmed.As per the latest update on AP, the Brownsville Police Department received a call at 12.50 pm local time, following which the actor was found dead at his home. “The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” the department stated.Mitte, who played Walter White Jr., the son of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Skyler White (Anna Gunn), appeared across all five seasons of ‘Breaking Bad’, which aired from 2008 to 2013.Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, including his ‘Breaking Bad’ co-stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris, as well as actor

Marlee Matlin

Cranston, who played Mitte’s on-screen father, Walter White, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, remembering the actor and reflecting on their years working together. Posting a photo from their time together, he wrote an emotional note that read, “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight.

RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died. 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. 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. Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him - but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way… He was one of the stars of a hit TV show - but still a kid.

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 organization with a focus on helping the disabled community. All that promise and potential now is such a loss. 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.”Sharing the suicide helpline number, he added, "I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/).

There is hope."Meanwhile, Matlin, who shared the screen with Mitte in ‘Switched at Birth’, also expressed her grief in a post on X, writing, “My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart. RIP.” She accompanied the message with a photograph of the two actors.

Aaron Paul honoured his co-star, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter saying, "I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news.

RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed."

Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader in ‘Breaking Bad’, took to X to mourn Mitte’s death. He wrote in a tweet, “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 his family."

Like his character on the show, Mitte had cerebral palsy. His performance helped raise awareness about the condition, and throughout his acting career, he remained a passionate advocate for disability representation and inclusion in Hollywood.