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Bryan Cranston details last texts with RJ Mitte before his death as he asks 'why' in heartbreaking post
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Michelle H.
Actor RJ Mitte, who gained international recognition for playing Walter White Jr. in the hit drama series Breaking Bad, has died at age 34. His representatives confirmed the news on Monday, October 12, following his death in Brownsville, Texas.
For five seasons, he played Flynn, the teenage son of Walter White and Skyler White. Beyond his screen work, he dedicated a significant amount of his life to championing opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.
His representatives shared a formal message honoring his life and work. They described him as a beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights activist, while asking the public to respect the privacy of his family during this difficult time.
TMZ reported that he died by suicide and noted that an investigation remains ongoing. His representatives have not officially commented on a cause of death.
He lived with cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination.
Bryan Cranston pays tribute to his co-star
Bryan Cranston shared a lengthy personal tribute alongside a photograph with his former co-star He recalled meeting the actor when he was just 14 years old and was chosen to play Walter White Jr. He noted that the young performer approached the role with great enthusiasm and determination.
"RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died," Cranston wrote. "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."
Cranston reflected on watching the young actor mature throughout production, noting that he was raw when shooting the pilot episode in February 2007 but grew into a skilled performer.
He noted that his TV son listened to guidance from his on-screen parents while displaying typical teenage independence. He praised how the actor used his visibility to benefit others through philanthropic work and advocacy.
"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."
RJ Mitte's legacy in television
Breaking Bad ran from 2008 to 2013, with the character of Flynn sharing the actor's real-life diagnosis. This element brought rare representation to a widely watched network show, providing a realistic depiction of family life inside a dark, high-stakes drama.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2006, his early career involved background work before landing his breakout role. He later joined the cast of Switched at Birth while continuing to pursue creative and charitable pursuits.
His philanthropic commitment led him to collaborate closely with Shriners Children's. Having received care at its Shreveport facility as a child following a diagnosis at age three, he returned in 2014 to serve as an ambassador for the Love to the Rescue campaign.
He participated in anti-bullying efforts, encouraged public acceptance, and walked in a 2015 Milan fashion show for Vivienne Westwood.
In 2016, he joined Channel 4 to cover the Rio Paralympic Games, explaining that he valued having an opportunity to give a voice to people with disabilities and promote acceptance.
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