Bryan Cranston mourns 'Breaking Bad' star RJ Mitte: ‘Deep despair’
'Breaking Bad' actor RJ Mitte dies at 34, reports say
Actor RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter White Jr. on the hit series "Breaking Bad," has died, according to multiple reports. He was 34 years old.
LOS ANGELES - If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line for free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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"Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston spoke out Monday to express his grief over the death of his costar RJ Mitte.
Mitte reportedly died by suicide on Monday in his home in Brownsville, Texas, according to TMZ.
Bryan Cranston on ‘Breaking Bad’ star RJ Mitte’s death
"I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died," Cranston said in an Instagram post on Monday evening. "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."
He continued, "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."
"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."
Actors Bryan Cranston and RJ Mitte arrive at the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Cranston said Mitte became an advocate for performers with disabilities and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community.
Cranston went on to lament that Mitte’s death was "devastating" and "such a loss."
"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."
He concluded his message, writing, "I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope."
RJ Mitte’s legacy
Mitte was best known for his starring role in "Breaking Bad" as Walter White Jr., the son of Walter White, who was played by Cranston.
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in real life, and his character on the show also had cerebral palsy.
He worked on several other productions, including "The Oak Room," "The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!)," and "The Recall," just to name a few.
RELATED: 'Breaking Bad' star RJ Mitte dies at 34
Mitte was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy when he was a toddler and has been an advocate for disability awareness and inclusion, according to IMDB.
He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriner’s Children’s. He was also president of The Mitte Foundation.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line for free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and CLICK HERE for more on the 988 Lifeline.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by Bryan Cranston's Instagram account. Previous FOX Local reporting contributed.