RJ Mitte's Mother Reveals 'Red Flag' Before 'Breaking Bad' Star's Death
Dyna Mitte pays tribute to her son, who died by suicide at 34, and discusses his professional life and mental health.
RJ Mitte's mother, Dyna, has honored her son's "deep empathy" and "neverending curiosity" in a tribute following his death by suicide at the age of 34. Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, gained fame for his role as Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad."
Dyna Mitte revealed a "red flag" that led to her discovering her son's death this month. She explained that while she believed RJ was in a better place, his failure to answer the phone, as they spoke regularly, alerted her. "It wasn’t until he didn’t answer the phone that I recognized it as a red flag, because we talked regularly," she told The Hollywood Reporter. She had begun having concerns based on their conversations and encouraged him to speak with a therapist.
Dispelling rumors of career or financial troubles, Dyna stated that RJ had multiple projects underway. "RJ had three movies that have already come out this year. He has two more coming out. He has already signed deals on several new movies that he was going to be filming," she said. She also mentioned plans for a book and a food truck, noting that past financial issues with a manager had been resolved years prior.
She acknowledged RJ had been experiencing personal difficulties and had confided in his family, but the suicide was unexpected. "A mother should never have to find her child that way. It's a hard pill to swallow," Dyna shared. She believes her son experienced a mental health setback and made the decision to take his life during a "weak moment."
Mitte was adopted as a newborn by Dyna and her then-husband Roy Frank Mitte Jr. He became the principal breadwinner for his family at 13 after a car accident left his mother paralyzed for years. Dyna described her son's life as "a constant adventure," recalling his travels and his intellectual curiosity about historical facts and places.
She praised his "deep empathy for those who needed him to be their voice," adding it was a role he embraced. Mitte's mother also highlighted his efforts with The Mitte Foundation in Brownsville, a nonprofit aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Central Texans. "We are lost without him, yet we know he wouldn't want us to be. He would want his message heard and the work we were doing with The Mitte Foundation in Brownsville to continue," she wrote.
Following his death, former "Breaking Bad" co-star Bryan Cranston expressed being in "deep despair," while Aaron Paul shared, "I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed."
A Celebration of Life ceremony was held for RJ Mitte at the Mitte Center in Brownsville, Texas. Dyna concluded her tribute by stating, "My son was an incredibly special and sensitive soul who did so much for his family, his community, and the world, and we will mourn him for the rest of our days."