The death of actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte was met with a wave of grief from his Breaking Bad co-stars, who shared memories of Mitte following the tragedy.
Mitte, who was best known for playing Walter White Jr. on the Emmy-winning series, died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at 34. A representative for Mitte confirmed that the cause was suicide.
In a tribute by Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman on the show, the actor called Mitte “an inspiration for so many” and remembered the last time they saw each other. “I am so sorry you were hurting my friend. I wish we knew,” wrote Paul in his post shared to social media. “You constantly had a smile on your face and you took every single challenge that was given to you with such confidence and grace.”
Paul recalled meeting Mitte when he was just “a little boy” and watching him “grow into a beautiful young man” who took on “every challenge head on.” He continued, “The last time we saw each other I kept calling you Superman. You reminded me of him. You reminded me of him because you always led with kindness and strength. It was blinding. You were born into a world with challenges but you never let any of that stand in your way.”
Mitte, who was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy when he was three years old, earned rave reviews for his performance as Walt Jr. The character had the same condition as Mitte, though more pronounced. Mitte was remained on Breaking Bad throughout the show’s celebrated run between 2008 and 2013. In 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award, given out in honor of Russell, the first actor with a disability to win an Oscar.
Paul mourned the “absolute tragic loss” and said, “I loved your laugh and how much fun you had riding the wave we were all blessed to be on with Breaking Bad.”
The actor said that he hoped “whoever is reading this note that feels lost or sad or uncertain about the future please say something.” Paul added, “Hold each other up. That’s what this life is all about. Connect with someone you care about and say I love you.” He ended his note by writing, “RJ, I love you my friend. I’m so sorry.”
Paul shared a video of Mitte alongside his tribute. In the video, Mitte speaks directly those watching as says, “I would like to talk to you a little about mental health. It’s very important to take care of one’s physical health, but it’s equally as important to take care of one’s mental health.” Mitte encouraged people to open up with each other and be candid about their feelings. “It’s okay to be not always good. But it’s not okay to harbor that feeling, harbor those emotions,” Mitte said. “So I’m hoping to inspire each and every one that sees this video today.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Dial 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ+ youth, can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. Find other international suicide helplines at Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org).