Bryan Cranston Reveals He and RJ Mitte Were Planning Lunch Weeks Before the ‘Breaking Bad’ Star’s Death at 34

Mitte's team confirmed the sad news earlier that day, celebrating his charity work. Cranston followed with a moving tribute that ended with a plea for those who are struggling.

Bryan Cranston is mourning the loss of his onscreen son, "Breaking Bad" star RJ Mitte, who passed away in Brownsville, Texas, on Monday, October 12, 2026. He was 34.

Just hours after the news broke, Cranston turned to Instagram to share his grief.

"I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on 'Breaking Bad' has died," Cranston began. "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."

The Emmy-winning actor then reflected on the young star's resilience, writing, "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 also fondly recalled the lighter side of their bond, sharing, "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."

Cranston went on to recall that Mitte was still fairly inexperienced when cameras started rolling on the "Breaking Bad" pilot in February 2007. Over the years, however, the cast and crew watched him blossom into a genuinely talented actor.

He added that Mitte used his time on the series as a platform to champion performers with disabilities, later going on to lead a charitable organization dedicated to supporting the disabled community.

"All that promise and potential now is such a loss. It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why?" Cranston wrote.

The actor revealed that the two had been in touch only recently. "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…" he wondered.

He added, "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."

Cranston ended his tribute with a plea to "anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline," adding, "There is hope."

Mitte's death was confirmed by his representative on Monday in a statement shared with multiple outlets. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," the statement read.

"RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on AMC's critically acclaimed, award-winning series 'Breaking Bad,'" the representative continued. "Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."

The statement went on to highlight the star's extensive charity work. "Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's."

"He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities," the message read.

The representative closed with a request for privacy, noting, "At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte's family and close ones."