Bryan Cranston Mourns Breaking Bad Co-Star RJ Mitte

RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. opposite Bryan Cranston on "Breaking Bad," died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, by suicide, according to NBC News. He was 34. Cranston, 70, responded that night with a statement describing the actor as "my sweet son on Breaking Bad."

Who was RJ Mitte and what was his role on Breaking Bad?

Mitte joined the AMC series as Walter White Jr. when he was 14 years old, according to Cranston's statement relayed by NBC News. "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," Cranston said. "Breaking Bad" ran 62 episodes from 2008 to 2013 and became one of the most critically acclaimed television dramas of its era, per NBC News.

Mitte has cerebral palsy, and Cranston said the condition never slowed his co-star's work on set. "He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination," Cranston said, according to the network's report.

How did RJ Mitte die?

NBC News reported Mitte died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, by suicide. The outlet did not report additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death.

What did Bryan Cranston say about Mitte's death?

Cranston issued a statement Monday night saying he was "in deep despair" over the news. "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," Cranston said, per NBC News.

"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."

The statement did not specify what the two actors discussed in their recent texts or why the planned lunch had not yet taken place.

What advocacy work did Mitte do after Breaking Bad?

Cranston said Mitte used his platform from the show to support performers with disabilities. "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," Cranston said, according to NBC News. The report did not name the organization or detail its programs.

What is Breaking Bad's legacy following Mitte's death?

NBC News described "Breaking Bad" as one of the most critically acclaimed shows of its era during its five-season run on AMC. Cranston's statement framed Mitte's arc on the series — from a 14-year-old newcomer to an adult performer and advocate — as central to how the cast remembers him. The network's report did not include comment from other "Breaking Bad" cast members or from AMC as of publication.

Readers experiencing thoughts of suicide or crisis can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the United States.

This story draws on reporting from NBC News, which first published Cranston's statement.

When and how did NBC News publish Cranston's statement?

NBC News reporter David K. Li published the story Oct. 13, 2026, at 10:55 a.m. ET, according to the outlet's byline and timestamp. The report characterized the statement as Cranston's public response to news of Mitte's death, released the same Monday night that Mitte died in Brownsville, Texas. NBC News did not report whether Cranston's statement was issued through a publicist, a social media post, or another channel, nor did it specify the exact time Cranston released it.

Where can readers find crisis support resources?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline operates nationally in the United States, reachable by calling or texting 988, for people experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis. The service is free and available at any hour. NBC News's report on Mitte's death did not include additional resource information beyond noting the circumstances of his death, and HTT News includes the lifeline number as a standard practice when reporting on suicide.

Artiglio is A coming-soon iPhone chief of staff for briefings and drafts. Not on the App Store yet.