Breaking Bad Cast Mourns RJ Mitte After His Death

Actor and disability rights advocate R.J. Mitte, known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died at 34 in Brownsville, Texas, according to his representatives. His former co-stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris paid tribute after the death of the performer who appeared across all five seasons of the series.

The representatives confirmed Mitte’s death, while coverage cited differing information about the status of the cause-of-death investigation. TMZ reported that he died by suicide, while other reports cited authorities saying the investigation was ongoing.

Mitte, who had cerebral palsy from childhood, became an advocate for disability representation and served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy. According to the source, he appeared on Breaking Bad from 2008 to 2013 and later continued acting and advocacy work.

Bryan Cranston, who portrayed Mitte’s on-screen father Walter White, shared a tribute on Instagram after learning of the death. Cranston wrote about meeting Mitte when he was 14 and praised his approach to playing Walter White Jr.

"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," said Bryan Cranston, the actor who played Walter White on Breaking Bad.

Cranston also highlighted Mitte’s determination while discussing the challenges he faced. He urged people considering suicide to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

"never — ever — allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything." said Bryan Cranston, the actor who played Walter White on Breaking Bad.

Cranston described the loss as deeply painful and connected his message to concerns about suicide prevention.

"especially devastating" said Bryan Cranston, the actor who played Walter White on Breaking Bad.

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, also shared his reaction through The Hollywood Reporter. Paul remembered Mitte as a friend and expressed grief over the loss.

"I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," said Aaron Paul, the actor who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad.

Paul followed his first statement with another message focused on support and connection. His comments came as former cast members continued responding to Mitte’s death.

"Please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that." said Aaron Paul, the actor who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad.

Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader on the series, recalled his experience working with Mitte during his early years on the show. Norris said he remembered Mitte warmly from their time on set.

"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," said Dean Norris, the actor who played Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad.

Norris described the news as painful while reflecting on his former co-star. He was among the Breaking Bad cast members who publicly honored Mitte.

"heartbreaking." said Dean Norris, the actor who played Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad.

Earlier this month, Mitte appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast and discussed his experience working with Cranston and Anna Gunn. He described the production environment between scenes despite the series’ intense themes.

"very light-hearted, even in between takes," said R.J. Mitte, the actor who played Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad.