Bryan Cranston Honors RJ Mitte After Breaking Bad Star Dies

The death of RJ Mitte, who portrayed Bryan Cranston's son in the television drama Breaking Bad, prompted an emotional tribute from his former co-star on October 12, 2026. Cranston remembered Mitte as a determined performer who developed into a skilled actor and championed greater representation for people with disabilities. Mitte was 34.

Representatives confirmed Mitte's death on October 12, according to NBC News. Texas Justice of the Peace Judge Cyndi Hinojosa also confirmed that he died in Brownsville, Texas. The source article did not provide a cause of death.

Cranston shared his tribute on Instagram, recalling the experience of working with Mitte, who was 14 when he joined the cast as Walter "Flynn" White Jr. The character, the son of Cranston's Walter White, was a teenager with cerebral palsy.

"I am in deep despair." Cranston wrote in his Instagram post.

Cranston described Mitte's determination during production and the way he approached the demands of the television series. He also reflected on the guidance he and Anna Gunn, who played Mitte's on-screen mother, offered their young co-star.

"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 wrote alongside a photograph of the two actors.

Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad across the show's five seasons, which aired from 2008 through 2013, according to IMDb. Cranston recalled that his young co-star gained experience and confidence as filming progressed.

"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," Cranston wrote.

Beyond acting, Mitte became an advocate for performers with disabilities and supported charitable initiatives. His representatives said he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s and led The Mitte Foundation, which supported philanthropic work and community initiatives.

Cranston also highlighted Mitte's efforts to improve disability representation in the entertainment industry. His former co-star's career extended beyond his role in the acclaimed drama, with advocacy forming a significant part of his public work.

"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." Cranston wrote.

The actor said Mitte had remained in contact with him in the weeks before his death. They had been exchanging messages about arranging a lunch, a plan that Cranston recalled with particular sadness in his tribute.

"We were texting each other just a few weeks ago — figuring out when we could meet for lunch," Cranston wrote.

Cranston also reflected on the personal bond they maintained after the series ended and its public attention faded.

"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." Cranston wrote.

In a statement to NBC News, a representative for Mitte described him as an actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate. The representative also emphasized his efforts to challenge stereotypes and promote more inclusive representation.

Judge Hinojosa said Mitte was deeply valued in Brownsville and noted that his family had strong ties to the Texas community. Her remarks highlighted the local connections of an actor whose work reached audiences through television and disability advocacy.