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The actor who played Badger paid a heartbreaking tribute to late 'Breaking Bad' co-star RJ Mitte
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on the iconic AMC drama series Breaking Bad, died at the age of 34 years old on Monday. Mitte reportedly took his own life.
After news of RJ Mitte’s passing broke, tributes from his former Breaking Bad co-stars began to hit social media, ranging from series leads to supporting players.
Dean Norris, who memorably portrayed Hank Schrader in all six seasons of Breaking Bad, also paid tribute to Mitte on social media. So did Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated series lead Bryan Cranston, who said that Mitte was like a son to him.
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 his family.
💔💔💔💔💔💔— Dean Norris (@deanjnorris) October 12, 2026
“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,” Emmy-winning Jesse Pinkman actor Aaron Paul said in a statement.
The actor who played Badger on Breaking Bad seemed to come across as feeling guilty in his statement about RJ Mitte’s death
Perhaps the most heartbreaking tribute, however, came from Matt Jones — the actor who played Badger, one of Jesse Pinkman’s two stoner buddies. In an Instagram post that’s racked up over 464,000 likes (at the time of this writing), Jones recalled the last time he saw Mitte and seemed to express guilt over bailing on plans the pair had made.
“January 2025. This was the last time I saw you,” Jones wrote. “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.”
“It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” a statement from Mitte’s representatives read.
“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. Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.”
Mitte’s death on Monday, October 12, came just days after he made a public appearance at a film premiere in Los Angeles, according to his official Facebook account.
Our thoughts are with Mitte’s family, friends, fans, and various loved ones during this difficult time. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.