Bryan Cranston has paid tribute to his former Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, saying he is in “deep despair” following the actor’s death at the age of 34.
Cranston, who played Walter White in the AMC series, shared a photograph of the pair alongside an emotional message about Mitte, who played his on-screen son, Walter White Jr.
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” Cranston wrote.
He recalled meeting Mitte when he was 14 and praised his determination, describing his development from a teenager on the show’s set into a talented actor and advocate for disability rights.
“He was one of the stars of a hit TV show — but still a kid,” Cranston added.
The actor said he and Mitte had been exchanging messages only weeks earlier to arrange lunch. He expressed his heartbreak that they would never meet, writing: “I do know that I loved him … I’ll miss you, son.”
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, used his public profile to campaign for greater representation and inclusion for performers with disabilities.
Podcast host Joe Vulpis, who said he had seen Mitte weeks before his death, described him as “so positive” and “one of the most kind and genuine people [he] got to speak with.”
Sources have said Mitte died by suicide, although authorities are still investigating the circumstances of his death.
Cranston ended his tribute by urging anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
