RJ Mitte dead at 34: 'Breaking Bad' co-stars Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, and others pay tributes

RJ Mitte's "Breaking Bad" co-stars are paying tributes to the actor after he died at the age of 34 years. Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in his childhood before working as an actor and becoming a disability rights champion, died on Monday (Oct. 12) in Brownsville, Texas, according to his reps. The cause of his death has not been revealed, though TMZ reported that Mitte died by suicide. Mitte famously played the role of Walter Jr., the son of the protagonist Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston.

Aaron Paul remembers Mitte

Stars of the iconic television series, including Aaron Paul and Dean Joseph Norris, remembered Mitte through heartfelt tributes. Paul, 47, who played the role of Jesse Pinkman, said in a statement shared with 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."

'A sweetheart of a young man'

Norris, 63, who played the DEA agent Hank Schrader and uncle to Mitte's character, told the publication: "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."

'Will never be another like RJ'

Besides "Breaking Bad" stars, several other celebrities have also posted tributes for Mitte on social media. "There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart," actress and author Marlee Matlin said in a post on X.

Mitte’s team shared the news

Mitte’s representatives announced his death in a statement on Monday. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights activist RJ Mitte," the reps said. "At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones."

Mitte's work and activism

Mitte's most memorable role was Walter White Jr., aka Flynn, which he played for all seasons of "Breaking Bad". He also featured in several movies, including The Recall (2017) and Triumph (2021).

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder, when he was 3 years old. He also worked as a disability rights activist, serving as ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He was the president of The Mitte Foundation. Last year, Mitte got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, at a fundraising gala.