RJ Mitte dies by suicide: Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston remembers his 'sweet son' in emotional post

A still from Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte's demise at the age of 34 has left fans and co-stars in shock. Bryan Cranston, who played his father in the popular crime drama, paid a heartfelt tribute to his co-star, remembering his journey and reflecting on their years collaborating.

Bryan Cranston mourns loss of his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte

Sharing a picture 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."

He added, "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."

Bryan also recalled texting to Mitte just a few weeks ago, when they were planning to have lunch. He wrote, "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."

Bryan also shared a helpline number for anyone contemplating suicide, urging them to ask for help. He wrote, "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."

About RJ Mitte

Mitte was widely recognised for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad. For now, no official cause of death has been announced. TMZ reported that his death was a suicide, though the circumstances currently remain under investigation.