Several of the late RJ Mitte‘s Breaking Bad costars — including Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul — paid tribute to him following his death.
A spokesperson for Mitte confirmed to Us on October 12, 2026, that the actor and disability rights advocate died by suicide earlier in the day. He was 34.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his rep told Us.
His spokesperson noted that Mitte drew from his own “experience living with cerebral palsy” to play Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on all five seasons of Breaking Bad. (Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 3 years old.)
“Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s,” they added. “He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”
The statement concluded, “At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones.”
In light of Mitte’s death, several of his Breaking Bad costars honored his life and legacy. Cranston wrote of feeling “deep despair” over his onscreen son’s death, while Paul said in a statement that he was “heartbroken” over the news.
Read more about how the cast of Breaking Bad honored Mitte below.
Bryan Cranston
The seven-time Emmy winner penned a lengthy tribute to Mitte via Instagram hours after news broke about his costar’s death.
“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,” he recalled. “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.”
Cranston joked that Mitte was “always listening to the advice” of his more experienced costars while “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,” the actor noted. “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.”
The Walter White Sr. actor stressed that it was “especially devastating” to hear that Mitte died by suicide.
He went on, “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.”
Aaron Paul
Paul — who played Walt Sr.’s drug-dealing accomplice Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad — reflected on the bond he formed with Mitte during their years working together.
“I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news,” Paul told The Hollywood Reporter on October 12. “RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Dean Norris
Norris remembered the familial bond he felt with Mitte, having played Walt Jr.’s Uncle Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad.
“Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ I am heartbroken,” Norris tweeted on October 12. “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.”
He added, “This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
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