RJ Mitte Shared Hopes for Old Age in Final Interview Before Suicide
The 'Breaking Bad' actor discussed his vision for his future and his foundation in an interview shortly before his death at age 34.
RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr. in "Breaking Bad," shared his aspirations for his older years in one of his final interviews before his death by suicide. In an Oct. 3 episode of the "Brownsville in Motion" podcast, Mitte was asked to describe his imagined life at age 50.
"I would hope to stay true to what I believe and to what I want to achieve," Mitte stated during the interview. He also humorously added that he did not want to become a "grumpy middle-aged person" or a "curmudgeon."
Mitte, who managed cerebral palsy since the age of 3, noted that he experienced significant hip pain and thus envisioned himself being "all shriveled" as he aged. Because of this, he emphasized the importance of "diet and exercise" for him.
The actor also expressed his hopes for The Mitte Foundation, a Texas-based non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities, where he served as president. He stated his hope that the foundation would continue its mission and grow its endowment while maintaining community relationships. Mitte highlighted the foundation's work in providing resources and tools for education and opportunity to children, referring to the scholars as "some of the best and brightest kids."
"I hope that we just continue to put kids in schools, to provide those resources and tools to give more education, more opportunity," he said, expressing pride in working with a dedicated team.
Mitte died by suicide on Monday, as first reported by TMZ. His representative confirmed his passing in a statement to Page Six, noting his roles as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, in addition to his foundation work.
"He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities," the statement read.
Mitte's final public appearance was on Oct. 2, discussing his role in the film "Talking to Strangers." Days prior, at the film's premiere on Sept. 30, he told Page Six that he would be open to starring in a "Breaking Bad" spinoff.
His former "Breaking Bad" co-stars, including Bryan Cranston, mourned his death. Cranston posted on Instagram that he was in "deep despair" and recalled texting Mitte about lunch just weeks before his death, adding, "I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future."