Bryan Cranston Honors RJ Mitte After Breaking Bad Star Dies

Bryan Cranston has paid tribute to RJ Mitte, his on-screen son in the television drama Breaking Bad, following the actor's death at age 34. In a social media message, Cranston reflected on their years working together, Mitte's development as a performer, and his efforts to improve opportunities for actors with disabilities.

Mitte played Walter White Jr. in the AMC series, appearing alongside Cranston, who portrayed Walter White, and Anna Gunn, who played Skyler White. According to Cranston's tribute, he first met Mitte when the young actor was 14 and had been cast in the role that would become his best-known television performance.

Cranston described Mitte's determination while filming the series, recalling how the teenager managed a demanding production schedule while navigating life with cerebral palsy.

"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.

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." Cranston wrote.

The actor also recalled Mitte's early days on the production. According to Cranston, the cast watched his younger co-star gain experience and become a more accomplished performer during the show's development.

"little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor." Cranston wrote.

Beyond acting, Mitte used his public profile to support disability representation and inclusion. Cranston highlighted his former co-star's advocacy and philanthropic work as significant parts of his legacy.

"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.

Cranston's tribute also emphasized the personal relationship they maintained after their time working together on Breaking Bad. The actor recalled that he and Mitte had recently exchanged messages while trying to arrange a lunch meeting.

"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." Cranston wrote.

Mitte's death was confirmed by his representatives, according to reports published on October 12, 2026. His representative did not disclose a cause of death in statements reported by major news outlets, and no confirmed determination of the circumstances was available in those reports.

Throughout his career, Mitte became known for portraying a character who also had cerebral palsy, bringing his own experience to a prominent television role. His work extended beyond Breaking Bad to other screen projects, while his advocacy focused on disability awareness and greater inclusion in the entertainment industry.