The 34-year-old actor had cerebral palsy and was a passionate disability advocate
RJ Mitte died at age 34
Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte said he ‘lived life to the fullest’ days before he tragically took his own life. The 34-year-old shared the poignant words in his final interview on The Joe Vulpis podcast, before his death was announced yesterday (October 12).
The actor played Walter White Jr in the hit show Breaking Bad, about a high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin. Mirror reports the Brownsville Police Department recieved a call at 12:50pm local time after which Mitte was found dead upon arrival.
A judge declared Mitte dead at 1:32pm local time and a medical examiner will now determine the official cause of death, following an autopsy. However, there was no sign of foul play.
During his final interview he was asked how he dealt with the pressures of filming Breaking Bad. “I live life to the fullest,” he commented. He went on to add: “I always try. I have a very finite amount of time.”
He later revealed that he planned to “keep pushing forward” in life and do things he “loves”.
RJ said: “I would like to try to find some time in the next couple of years to myself. But you know, I think just keep living the dream, you know?
“And I tell people, every dream could be a nightmare too. But just keep living it, keep pushing forward.”
In a 2016 interview, RJ opened up about his life outside work, growing up with his mother and his sister, Lacey, who was 12 at the time. He had been looking after his mother, who was paralysed due to a road accident, the month after Lacey was born.
There was a 12 year age gap between the siblings as RJ revealed he changed her diapers, made up her bottles, fed her, rocked her, bathed her adding he ‘did everything’.
Mitte also had cerebral palsy, like his Breaking Bad character and appeared in all five seasons of the show, which ran from 2008 to 2013.
On the The Joe Vulpis podcast RJ also reflecting on a difficult Breaking Bad scene, recalling Walter’s final call with his dad, during which RJ said he felt “a lot of pressure”.
He said: “I really think for me one of the most complicated scenes that I’ve had to do was that final phone call. That’s my father, and he killed my uncle. Like he’s a murderer.
“And so that realisation for him was something that I really wanted to make sure that I met those criteria. And you know, listening to the directors, listening to Vince [Gilligan], and really Bryan [Cranston] was there that day as well.
“He was in the room when we did that scene. So really kind of figuring out how to do that scene justice.”
His on-screen father, Bryan Cranston, heartbreakingly shared the pair had been texting weeks before his death and planned to meet for lunch.
The actor wrote: “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad, has died. I met him when he was only 14 years old, when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm.
“Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head-on with great determination.”
Cranston added: “Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him – but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way… He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid.
“That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor. He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community.
“All that promise and potential now is such a loss.”
The actor added: “It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch.
“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.”
Aaron Paul, Mitte’s Breaking Bad co-star who played Jesse Pinkman said he is ‘at a loss’ after finding out about his friend’s death. He told The Hollywood Reporter: “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.”
Fans shared tributes on Bryan Cranston’s post, one read: “This is so heartbreaking I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you and RJ’s family & friends. Rest in peace.”
Another post read: “Rest in peace RJ, I wish his family privacy and support during these dark times, if anyone you know or yourself, might be struggling with suicidal or harmful thoughts, please reach out to someone.”
One post read: “We really lost a great human being. An awful tragedy. Rest in peace brother.”
Mitte’s representative said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.
“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.
