Breaking Bad actor Luis Moncada has described RJ Mitte as being under significant strain when the pair reunited in Albuquerque shortly before Mitte’s death by suicide.
Moncada, who played Marco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, said they met at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta earlier this month.
He took Mitte on his first hot-air balloon ride and filmed a moment in which the actor rested his head on Moncada’s shoulder. The pair also spoke privately about serious matters during the trip.
Moncada said Mitte was being pulled in several different directions, which was clearly causing him stress. He said he understood what his friend had been dealing with but did not want to disclose those details publicly.
The actors spent almost an hour talking outside the airport before Mitte flew back to Texas. Moncada said he tried to persuade him to stay for a few days so he could clear his head.
Mitte declined, saying he had already been travelling for too long, but the two promised to remain in contact. Moncada said he also secured a promise that Mitte would call if he needed someone to talk to.
Moncada said Mitte had recently supported him through a difficult period in his own life, leaving him shocked and distressed that he had been unable to do the same for his friend.
Mitte died in Texas on Monday. Moncada is among several of his former co-stars to have paid tribute, alongside Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris.
