[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Hollywood is mourning a deep loss.
RJ Mitte, the talented actor we all grew to love as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died by suicide at the way-too-young age of 34.
He was a stellar talent and a passionate disability rights advocate. His life mattered. (And if you’re reading this, please know your life matters too.)
Related: RJ’s Fans Urge Social Media Users To Be Kinder
RJ was so beloved. In the wake of the tragic news, his co-stars are speaking out about their loss.
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Bryan Cranston
Emmy award winning actor Bryan Cranston, who played RJ’s father on the hit series Breaking Bad, shared his grief via social media, writing on Instagram:
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. 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.
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… He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid.
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. 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.
All that promise and potential now is such a loss. It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. 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.
I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope.”
See his full post below:
View this post on Instagram
Aaron Paul
Aaron Paul played the lovable Jesse Pinkman on the critically acclaimed drama. He told The Hollywood Reporter:
“I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Dean Norris
RJ’s uncle on the series was played by Dean Norris. He wrote on X (Twitter):
“I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, 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. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Read his post in full here:
Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ
I am heartbroken
Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, 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. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and…— Dean Norris (@deanjnorris) October 12, 2026
Matt Jones
Actor Matt Jones played Badger. He opened up about the loss on Instagram, sharing a photo with RJ and writing:
“January 2025. This was the last time I saw you. We stood in the back of a group photo making jokes and talking about how ridiculous our lives were. You told me about all the plans you had. I was supposed to visit your new set up in Texas. We were gonna go out that night to visit Quezada’s club. I bailed because I was tired. I’m so sorry. I met you 19 years ago, you were only 15. I’m beyond devastated. You were a little brother to all of us. I’m so so sorry.”
See below:
View this post on Instagram
A truly heartbreaking, devastating loss. RJ was a good person. A great soul.
His legacy and impact will continue to live on through the lives he touched, the joy he brought the world, and the awareness he raised for cerebral palsy and disability rights in general.
May he rest in peace and love.
To learn more about his work with The Mitte Foundation, click here.
For resources on mental health, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org.
[Image via Nikki Nelson/WENN]
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