Aaron Paul Pays Emotional Tribute to RJ Mitte as the ‘Breaking Bad’ Family Mourns

Few television casts have felt as close-knit as the one that made ‘Breaking Bad’. The show ran for 5 seasons, launched careers and produced some of the most talked-about performances of its era. Now that family is grieving the loss of one of its youngest members.

RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in the AMC drama, died on October 12 in Brownsville, Texas, at age 34. His representatives confirmed that he died by suicide. In the hours since, tributes have poured in from his on-screen family, and one of the most heartfelt has come from Aaron Paul.

Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, told The Hollywood Reporter that he was “at a loss” and heartbroken over the news. He addressed his late co-star directly, telling him that he loves him and that he will be missed. He then turned to everyone reading, saying that they are loved and not alone, and that they should always remember that.

That final line carries weight. Paul’s statement did not stop at remembering Mitte, but offered support to anyone who might be struggling after hearing the news. It is a reminder that moments like this can affect many people, and that a few words of kindness can matter.

Paul and Mitte reportedly never shared a scene on the show, which makes the depth of the tribute all the more notable. Even without scenes together, the 2 spent years as part of the same production and the same extended family. For fans, the message is a sign of how strongly the cast connected.

Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s father, wrote a lengthy post on Instagram. He opened by saying he was “in deep despair” and described Mitte as his sweet son on the show. He recalled meeting Mitte when he was only 14 years old, and said he had grown into a fine actor who never let cerebral palsy become an excuse for anything.

Cranston also said they had been texting about getting together for lunch weeks before the news. He ended his message by urging anyone considering suicide to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, adding that there is hope. In the US, people can call or text 988 at any time.

Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, also paid tribute on social media. He said he was heartbroken and that he could not believe the news. Although Mitte did not play his TV son, Norris recalled that he always looked out for him as a young kid on set, describing him as a sweetheart of a young man who will be greatly missed.

The outpouring has extended across the cast and crew, with fans sharing their favorite scenes and memories of the family at the center of the show. For many viewers who grew up watching the series, Walt Jr. was a deeply human presence in an otherwise dark story.

Mitte appeared in all 5 seasons, from 2008 to 2013, playing the character known as Walter White Jr. and Flynn. The character, who has cerebral palsy, was inspired by creator Vince Gilligan’s late friend. Mitte, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3, spoke often about his connection to the role.

Away from the camera, he became a prominent advocate for people with disabilities. In one of his last interviews, he said his work around equal opportunity and employment, and lending his voice to others, was the greatest thing the show had given him. That legacy is a central part of how colleagues and fans are remembering him.

Mitte had been busy in recent weeks. His last public appearance was on September 30, at a screening of his film ‘Talking to Strangers’ in Beverly Hills, and he was preparing for the release of his horror film ‘One Eye Open’ on October 16. He had also been engaged to Kennedy Suarez since 2025.

Those details show a career that was still moving forward. They also underline how sudden the loss feels for the people who knew him. In the days ahead, further tributes are expected from the wider ‘Breaking Bad’ community.

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