Aaron Paul and Dean Norris Mourn 'Heartbroken' Loss of 'Breaking Bad' Co-Star R.J. Mitte

R.J. Mitte, best known for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34. A county official confirmed his death on Monday in Texas, with a separate source indicating the cause was suicide.

Mitte's "Breaking Bad" co-stars Aaron Paul and Dean Norris were among the first to publicly express their grief. Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, shared his devastation, stating, "I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. R.J., I love you my friend. You will be missed." He added a message of support for others, "please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that."

Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, echoed Paul's sentiments on social media, expressing his shock and sadness. "I am heartbroken," Norris wrote. "Though R.J. 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."

Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of "Breaking Bad" from 2008 to 2013. The series, which centered on a high school chemistry teacher's transformation into a meth kingpin, garnered widespread critical acclaim.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, Mitte became a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion in the entertainment industry. His representative issued a statement highlighting his work beyond acting: "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."

Mitte also served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He often spoke about the importance of representation for individuals with disabilities in media, advocating for larger roles and authentic portrayals both in front of and behind the camera.

In 2023, Mitte told WUWF, "Representation is everything... Having positive influences of individuals with disabilities, not just cerebral palsy, but all of them, changes the mindset. TV is something that we all share; we all watch. TV really brings communities together in a way that you might not realize through social outlet."

Mitte's career also included roles in "The Recall" and "The Guardians of Justice." He had become engaged to his girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, on her 30th birthday, an event he described as feeling like a "fairytale."

Mitte and Suarez resided in Brownsville, Texas. He also led The Mitte Foundation, a family charity focused on revitalizing marginalized communities in South Texas.

If you or someone you know needs help, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the U.S. or online at 988lifeline.org.