AARON Paul has paid tribute to RJ Mitte saying he has been left “heartbroken” after the Breaking Bad star died, aged 34.
Mitte, who famously played Walter White Jr in the Emmy Award-winning show, tragically died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas.
Paul – Mitte’s Breaking Bad co-star who played Jesse Pinkman – 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.”
Dean Norris, who also played alongside Mitte as his on-screen uncle Hank Schrader also paid tribute, saying: “Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set.
“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.”
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Mitte’s representative confirmed to TMZ on Monday that Mitte had tragically passed away in Texas.
They said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.
“RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad.
“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
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His cause of death was not immediately disclosed, however, the outlet reported that he died by suicide.
Mitte was born on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just three-years-old.
But he used his stardom as a Hollywood actor to become a leading disability rights advocate.
He spent most of his childhood using crutches, but improved his ability to walk over his teenage years through sports and exercise.
Just months before his death, Mitte told young people who also live with the condition to “never give up”.
He told Future of Personal Health: “My hope is to inspire a ‘never give up’ mentality.
“If there is something you want in life, pursue it no matter how hard it may be. Keep your dreams alive. Don’t lose sight of who you want to become.”
Off the set, Mitte served as a celebrity ambassador for several organizations, including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.
He was also the president of his own charity – The Mitte Foundation – which supported philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, challenging stereotypes around people with disabilities.
Breaking Bad – often credited as one of the best TV series of all time – aired on AMC for five seasons between 2008 and 2013, earning a staggering 58 Primetime Emmy nominations.
Mitte was cast in the leading role of Walter “Flynn” White Jr in 2008 at the age of 15, going on to star in 56 episodes of the hit crime drama.
He played the son of Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn’s characters – Walter and Skyler White – and his character also had cerebral palsy, as Mitte drew on his own experience for the part.
A week before his sudden death, Mitte appeared on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, where he spoke about his early days in acting and his time on the show.
He called auditioning for Walt Jr “one of the longest auditions of my life”, saying he was one of the last characters to be cast in an audition process that took six months.
Mitte added: “It was me versus another individual at the time. An hour later, Vince called me and goes, ‘Hey, RJ, you got the part. Pack your bags. Go back to Los Angeles, and come back to set. You’re already late. We’re already filming. We need you here’.
“And that was history for me.”
Reacting to the news of Mitte’s death, Vulpis said on social media: “I had the honor of sitting down with RJ Mitte not too long ago and I can genuinely say he was such a kind, incredible, and gentle soul.
“My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, and I wish them peace and privacy during this difficult time.”
Mitte’s breakout role came after starting his career in entertainment as an extra in shows such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.
It opened up further opportunities with the TV star going on to feature in shows including Switched at Birth and Netflix’s animated series The Guardians of Justice.
He also appeared in several films including the drama “Triumph” from 2021, which he also executive produced.
Mitte’s final public appearance came just days before he tragically passed away as he smiled on the red carpet for the premier of his new movie – Talking to Strangers – on September 30 in California.
He was a Screen Actors Guild spokesman for actors with disabilities and in 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award.
A year before his death, Mitte got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Kennedy Suarez, in October 2025.
At the time, Mitte gushed about starting a life together with Suarez, telling People: “I’m thrilled to have found my person, my partner in life who makes me want to be better, no matter what we’re doing.
“Kennedy is my everything and I can’t wait to officially start our life together and see what adventures life takes us on next.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.