Aaron Paul Reflects on Final Moments with Late 'Breaking Bad' Co-Star RJ Mitte
Paul shared a heartfelt tribute to Mitte, who died by suicide at 34, recalling his strength and kindness.
Aaron Paul, star of the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," has shared a poignant reflection on his last encounter with his late co-star, RJ Mitte, who tragically died by suicide at the age of 34. Paul's tribute, posted to Instagram, focused on Mitte's enduring spirit and the profound impact he had on those around him.
Mitte, known for his role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr. in "Breaking Bad" from 2008 to 2013, passed away on Monday. His representative confirmed the cause of death as suicide.
Paul recounted his final meeting with Mitte, recalling how he affectionately called him "Superman" because of the actor's remarkable resilience and inherent goodness. "You reminded me of him because you always led with kindness and strength. It was blinding," Paul wrote in his tribute.
The actor, who voiced Bojack Horseman, also shared a throwback video of Mitte discussing mental health. He expressed sorrow that Mitte had been in pain, stating, "I am so sorry you were hurting my friend. I wish we knew." Paul praised Mitte for his consistent positivity and his ability to face challenges with grace and confidence.
Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, became a prominent advocate for disability awareness and inclusion. He often spoke about the importance of representation for actors with disabilities in the entertainment industry. "Representation is everything," Mitte stated in a 2023 interview, emphasizing how seeing disabled individuals succeed on screen can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem.
"Breaking Bad" provided Mitte with a platform, and he utilized his experiences with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to his character. He served as an ambassador for organizations like United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. The role opened many doors for him, and he frequently credited the show for his career trajectory.
Beyond his acting career, Mitte was deeply involved in philanthropy and community building. A public celebration of his life is scheduled to take place in Texas at The Mitte: Arts and Cultural Center, an institution he dedicated years to developing. Mayor John Cowen of Brownsville lauded Mitte as "a force for good in this world." Mitte was also engaged to his girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, whom he proposed to on her 30th birthday. He described Suarez as "my everything" and expressed excitement about their future together.
In his Instagram post, Paul urged anyone struggling with mental health issues to reach out for support. "I hope whoever is reading this note that feels lost or sad or uncertain about the future please say something. Life is so damn special," he wrote. "Connect with someone you care about and say I love you."
Paul had previously issued a statement expressing his heartbreak over Mitte's death, saying, "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."