The news hit hard—American actor RJ Mitte, best known for his role in the hit series Breaking Bad, has passed away. According to media reports, the 34-year-old allegedly died by suicide on October 12, 2026, in Brownsville, Texas. Following the devastating announcement, his on-screen father, Emmy-winning actor Bryan Cranston, took to social media to share a deeply moving tribute to his late co-star.
On October 13, 2026, Bryan shared a post dedicated to RJ Mitte, expressing his grief after learning the news. Posting a nostalgic photo of the two together, he wrote, “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad, has died.”
Cranston went on to praise Mitte’s fierce work ethic and determination on set, noting how the young actor never allowed his real-life diagnosis to limit his potential: “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.”
Appreciating Mitte for his dedication, Bryan revealed, “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.”
Sharing the memories from the shooting back in time, Bryan said, “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.”
Expressing the deep pain of the sudden loss, Cranston shared: “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.”
Sharing how much he missed him, the actor said, “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 concluded his tribute by urging anyone struggling with their mental health or experiencing a crisis to seek immediate support.
“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.”
