Los Angeles — Former co-stars and fellow actors have expressed their grief over the death of RJ Mitte, the Breaking Bad star and disability rights advocate who died by suicide Monday at the age of 34.
Dean Norris, Marlee Matlin and other celebrities shared heartfelt messages on social media, remembering Mitte for his warmth, talent and dedication to disability advocacy.
Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader, Mitte’s on-screen uncle in Breaking Bad, posted a tribute on X on Monday, saying he had only just learned of the news while working.
“Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ,” Norris wrote. “I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set.”
He continued by remembering Mitte as a kind person whose absence would be deeply felt.
“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.”
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s television father, Walter White, also shared a tribute Monday evening, describing himself as being in “deep despair” following his co-star’s death.
Cranston recalled that the two had been exchanging text messages just weeks earlier to arrange a lunch meeting.
“We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch,” Cranston wrote. “I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future… But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on ‘Breaking Bad’ dimmed…I’ll miss you, son.”
Matlin, who worked alongside Mitte on ABC Family’s Switched at Birth, also shared her sorrow in a message on X.
“My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart. RIP,” she wrote.
Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in AMC’s hit drama Breaking Bad, died Monday at 34. His representative later confirmed to media that the actor had died by suicide.
Like his character in the series, Mitte had cerebral palsy. His experiences helped shape his work as a disability rights advocate and philanthropist.
Micah Fowler, the Speechless actor who also has cerebral palsy, highlighted Mitte’s efforts to advance disability representation in a tribute posted on Instagram.
“I’m so, so Heartbroken! I will miss you! The world will miss you! I will never forget working with you on disability advocacy projects and on the Motionless Documentary,” Fowler wrote. “You were a pioneer in the Entertainment industry as you broke through stereotypes and displayed your talents in numerous acting roles.
“I so looked up to you and gained confidence from you as I entered into playing JJ on ‘Speechless,’” he continued. “I’ll never forget working with you and hanging! Will never forget you man. RJ – Your legacy will endure. Rest in Peace!”
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