Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte dies aged 34
Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have described their heartbreak and despair at the news their co-star RJ Mitty has died, aged 34 - more from ITV News Reporter Faye Barker
US actor RJ Mitte, best known for starring opposite Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34.
The TV star rose to fame in his role as Cranston’s on-screen son Walter White Jr in the Emmy-winning series and used his platform to advocate for disability rights from his experience of living with cerebral palsy.
His representative told Variety, Deadline and People he had died by suicide on Monday evening.
In an emotional Instagram post, Cranston, who plays high school chemistry teacher-turned ruthless drug kingpin Walter White, said: “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.”
Mitte, real name Roy Frank Mitte III, was an actor and producer who started his career in entertainment playing minor roles in sitcoms such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.
He made a name for himself in 2008 after landing a lead role in hit crime series Breaking Bad.
He first appeared in the series aged 15 and had a recurring role until its conclusion in 2013, featuring alongside Hollywood stars such as Cranston and Aaron Paul, as well as Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk and Dean Norris.
Norris, who played Mitte’s uncle and DEA agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, described the actor as a kind of son to him.
“Oh my God! Was working (and) just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken,” Norris wrote on social media. “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.”
Paul, who played drug user turned drug dealer Jesse Pinkman, said in a statement to 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.”
Mitte also landed TV roles in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance, and has featured in films such as Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton.
During his varied career, Mitte walked the catwalk for a Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and also presented part of Channel 4’s coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics.
Mitte has also appeared in several music videos, working with the likes of English band Nothing But Thieves and US rockers Hollywood Undead.
At the age of three, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which the NHS describes as the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination caused by a problem with the brain that develops around birth.
Mitte was outspoken about his disability and passionate about using his platform as an actor to educate and inform viewers.
He was also an ambassador for several disability and health organisations, including United Cerebral Palsy, Shriners Children’s and Can Do Canines and he was the president of the Mitte Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships to those in need.
US actor and singer Vincent Martella, best known for lending his voice to Disney Channel animated series Phineas and Ferb, shared a tribute to X as he reacted to the “devastating” news.
“What a kind and wonderful person. Devastating,” he wrote. “So young and genuinely nice to everyone he spoke to. This is truly awful. Sending love to his family.”
Shriners Children’s, a network of non-profit children's hospitals, said it was "deeply saddened" by Mitte's death and described him as making "a lasting impression on so many through his talent, determination and advocacy".
"RJ received care for cerebral palsy at Shriners Children’s Shreveport and later became a patient ambassador and spokesperson for the organization’s anti-bullying campaign. By sharing his story, RJ helped build understanding and championed a more inclusive world that celebrates children of all abilities," a spokesperson said.
"RJ accomplished much in the face of his challenges. He was a role model to many and an inspiration to children and families."
For help or support:
SAMARITANS
SAMARITANS
Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
MIND
MIND
Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues.
It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Phone Infoline on 0300 123 3393
Email info@mind.org.uk
CALM
CALM
CALM, or the Campaign Against Living Miserably, runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat – open from 5pm to midnight every day, for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. It also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).
Phone their helpline: 0800 585858 (Daily, 5pm to midnight)
PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice you can contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
HOPELINEUK is the charity’s confidential helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.
HOPELINEUK is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service.
Young Minds
Young Minds
YoungMinds is a resource with information on child and adolescent mental health, but also offers services for parents and professionals.
It is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health, and wants to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it
YoungMinds Textline - Text YM to 85258
Phone Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4pm)
JAMES' PLACE
JAMES' PLACE
James' Place offers free, life-saving treatment for men in suicidal crisis.
The charity offers free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
Their professional therapists get quickly to the heart of a man’s suicidal crisis and help him solve it.
James’ Place Liverpool: liverpool@jamesplace.org.uk / 0151 303 5757
James’ Place London: london@jamesplace.org.uk / 020 3488 8404
James’ Place Newcastle: newcastle@jamesplace.org.uk / 0191 406 6000
The Martin Gallier Project
The Martin Gallier Project
The Martin Gallier Project are a Wirral-based charity dedicated to helping individuals and families across the North West of England.
They were the UK's first Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention charity. The project offers non clinical suicide interventions on the high street, with no barriers to access, waiting list or criteria.
The service is open 7 days a week 9.30am-4.30pm - lines and emails are only monitored during these hours.
Phone line 0151 644 0294
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