Connection Between Bryan Cranston and RJ Mitte
Bryan Cranston heartfeltly paid tribute to RJ Mitte, his co-star from Breaking Bad, revealing that they had plans to meet for lunch only weeks before Mitte’s death. Cranston played Walter White, the father to Mitte’s character, in the well-acclaimed AMC drama.
Through an Instagram post, Cranston expressed his sorrow over Mitte’s passing on Monday, October 12. At 70, Cranston reflected on Mitte’s journey from a young man starting in Hollywood to becoming a skilled performer. Their close bond persisted long after they finished shooting the series.
“We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch,” Cranston revealed.
Cranston pondered what could have changed if their planned meeting had occurred.
“I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future,” he wrote.
The tribute from Cranston followed a statement from Mitte’s representative, confirming to People and Variety that Mitte died by suicide. Newsweek has reached out to his representatives for further comments.
Remembering RJ Mitte’s Impact
Cranston fondly referred to Mitte as his “Sweet Son” while describing his grief over such a significant loss.
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight,” said Cranston. He recalled first meeting Mitte when he joined Breaking Bad at just 14 years old.
Fostering a strong connection, the on-screen family transformed into real-life friendships. Cranston, along with Anna Gunn, Mitte’s on-screen mother, guided Mitte during their work on the show.
Although Mitte initially had limited acting experience, he gradually honed his skills and shared a bond that lasted even after the series ended.
Most impactful for Cranston were the final messages and plans they shared just before Mitte’s passing.
“But I do know that I loved him,” Cranston concluded.
His tribute concluded with a simple but touching sentiment: “I’ll miss you, son.”
Reactions from Breaking Bad Cast
Other cast members from Breaking Bad also remembered Mitte. Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, expressed his heartbreak.
“RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,” Paul stated.
Dean Norris, Walter White’s brother-in-law Hank Schrader on the show, shared his sorrow over Mitte’s passing and fond memories of looking out for him on set.
“He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it,” wrote Norris.
Matt Jones, who portrayed Brandon “Badger” Matthew, shared a memory of meeting Mitte when he was 15. He affectionately regarded Mitte as a younger brother.
RJ Mitte’s Broader Career
Though Breaking Bad catapulted Mitte to fame, he continued to pursue diverse opportunities in entertainment. He appeared in TV series like Switched at Birth and Now Apocalypse, and films such as Time Share and Dixieland.
Beyond acting, Mitte walked the runway for Vivienne Westwood and participated in U.K.’s Channel 4 coverage of the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He also featured in music videos for bands like Nothing But Thieves and Hollywood Undead.
Mitte became an advocate for disability representation in the industry after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. The condition, affecting movement and coordination, did not deter his determination to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity.
For support regarding suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.
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