Bryan Cranston’s Heartfelt Tribute to RJ Mitte
Bryan Cranston paid an emotional tribute to his co-star RJ Mitte from Breaking Bad. Recently, the 34-year-old actor passed away, leaving Cranston to express his grief through an Instagram post. Cranston, who played Walter White, Mitte’s on-screen father in the acclaimed AMC series, reflected on their friendship.
Cranston revealed that he and Mitte had been planning to meet for lunch just weeks before the tragic news. He shared, “We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch.” Their bond had grown strong over years, as they remained in contact long after the show ended.
Cranston said, “I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future.”
RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr., died by suicide.
Cranston began his tribute by expressing profound sadness over Mitte’s death, whom he had met at the age of 14 during the show’s casting. The two developed a meaningful friendship while portraying their roles as father and son in the series, which aired from 2008 to 2013.
Reminiscing, Cranston noted how Mitte grew into his acting career despite starting with limited experience. He fondly remembered advising Mitte during filming, alongside Anna Gunn, who played Skyler White. Cranston acknowledged the youthful actor’s occasional reluctance to take advice, noting, “He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid.”
Cranston’s poignant memories focused on their final interactions, where plans for a meeting were left undone. Despite the uncertainty of what that lunch might have meant, he made his feelings clear: “But I do know that I loved him. I’ll miss you, son.”
Other cast members of Breaking Bad shared in the tribute. Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, expressed his heartbreak and affection for Mitte. Dean Norris, Walter White’s brother-in-law Hank Schrader in the series, also shared how he cherished watching out for Mitte on set, describing him as a sweetheart. Reflecting on the loss, Norris remarked, “This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it.”
Matt Jones, who played Badger, remembered meeting Mitte at age 15 and expressed his devastation, saying, “You were a little brother to all of us.”
RJ Mitte’s Career Beyond Breaking Bad
While Breaking Bad brought Mitte into the limelight, his career included various roles across television series like Switched at Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse, and Chance. In film, he appeared in Time Share, Dixieland, and Westhampton.
Mitte also ventured into fashion and broadcasting. He walked the runway for Vivienne Westwood and contributed to the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games coverage for Channel 4 in the U.K. He featured in music videos from bands Nothing But Thieves and Hollywood Undead.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, Mitte championed disability representation in the media. Cerebral palsy affects movement and coordination, caused by developmental brain issues usually occurring around birth. Mitte was vocal about the need to challenge stereotypes and promoted inclusion and understanding through his public platform.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.