Breaking Bad's RJ Mitte, 7 days before his death, spoke about 'my saddest days are my greatest moments’

RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad, spoke about success, personal ambitions and helping others just seven days before his death at 34. During an interview on The Joe Vulpis Podcast, the actor reflected on why professional recognition did not always feel like an accomplishment to him. His remarks have drawn attention following confirmation of his death by suicide from his representative, reported by Variety. Mitte’s death has also prompted emotional tributes from his co-stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, who remembered him with affection.

RJ Mitte reflected on success and his ‘saddest days’ in a recent interview

In his conversation with host Joe Vulpis, Mitte spoke candidly about the ambitious, sometimes unattainable goals he set for himself throughout his career. He also discussed wanting to help people experiencing sadness and despair, explaining that supporting others brought him a sense of fulfilment. Despite receiving recognition for his performance as Walter White Jr. across Breaking Bad, Mitte said he did not always view awards as achievements. His honours included a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Rising Star Award in 2014.

“I’m not a big awards guy,” Mitte told Vulpis, explaining that some of his greatest professional moments had also felt like his saddest days. He described this as a personal negative trait, adding that receiving an award often made him feel he needed to do better rather than celebrate his success. The actor also spoke about how Breaking Bad had given him a platform to support causes he cared about. He said helping others was one of the things that made him happiest and where he found his greatest sense of achievement. The show, he added, had given him the opportunity to use his voice to make a meaningful impact.

Bryan Cranston remembers his ‘sweet son’ from Breaking Bad

Following Mitte’s death, Bryan Cranston, who portrayed Walter White, shared an emotional tribute on social media. Calling Mitte his “sweet son” from Breaking Bad, Cranston said he was writing in a state of deep despair. Cranston recalled meeting Mitte when he was just 14 and had been cast as Walter White Jr. He remembered the young actor approaching the demanding filming schedule with determination despite living with cerebral palsy.

The veteran actor also described how Mitte gradually developed into a fine performer during the series. While he listened to advice from his on-screen parents, Cranston recalled that he sometimes mischievously ignored their counsel and learned lessons through experience. Beyond his acting career, Cranston praised Mitte for becoming an advocate for performers with disabilities. He said Mitte used the experience and visibility he gained from the show to speak up for disabled performers and led a philanthropic organisation focused on helping the disabled community.

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Cranston said the loss of Mitte’s potential was devastating. He revealed that the two had been exchanging text messages just weeks earlier to arrange lunch, wondering whether that meeting might have changed the future while acknowledging he could never know.

The actor said he had loved Mitte and cherished their time together during and after Breaking Bad, ending his tribute by saying he would miss him.

Cranston also addressed people who might be contemplating suicide, urging them to call for the support they need and reminding them that there is hope.

Aaron Paul shares an emotional message after RJ Mitte’s death

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, also paid tribute to his co-star. Expressing his heartbreak, Paul said he loved Mitte and would miss him.

Paul also addressed people reading his message, reminding them that they are loved and not alone. His words offered a message of support to anyone who might be struggling emotionally.

What is known about RJ Mitte’s death?

Mitte died on Monday at the age of 34, his representative confirmed. He was widely recognised for playing Walter White Jr., the son of Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, and Skyler White, played by Anna Gunn, in the Vince Gilligan-created drama Breaking Bad. Like his character, Mitte had cerebral palsy.

According to People, the Brownsville Police Department received a call at 12:50 p.m. local time and found the actor dead at his home. Mitte is survived by his parents, younger sister Lacianne and fiancée Kennedy Suarez, whom he proposed to late last year.