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Bryant Cranston has reacted to the tragic death of RJ Mitte.
On Monday, TMZ reported that the 34-year-old Mitte, who starred in Breaking Bad as Walt Jr., had died by suicide.
Via TMZ
RJ Mitte — who played Walter White Jr. on “Breaking Bad” — is dead … TMZ has learned.
A county official confirmed to TMZ that RJ died Monday in Texas. We’re told he died by suicide.
Mitte’s relatives released a statement confirming his death.
“It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.”
“RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad. Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion,” his reps continue, “Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.”
Cranston, who played Mitte’s father on Breaking Bad, shared a heartfelt message on social media following his co-star’s passing.
“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.”