Photo: Ursula Coyote/AMC/Everett Collection

Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte died on Monday at age 34. The former child actor’s cause of death was confirmed as suicide to various outlets by his rep, and the news left his fans and former co-stars in shock. Over five seasons of Breaking Bad, audiences watched Mitte as Walter White Jr. learn to drive, rename himself “Flynn,” and gradually distance himself from his father, played by Bryan Cranston. Now, Cranston and fellow cast members remember Mitte as a “sweetheart of a young man” in emotional statements.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” Cranston wrote in an Instagram post. Cranston first met Mitte when he was just 14 years old, and “little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor.” Cranston also revealed that he and Mitte had tentative plans to meet up 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 ended his statement by urging anyone contemplating suicide to call hotlines for support and maintain hope.

Aaron Paul, who played Walter White’s former student and business partner Jesse Pinkman on the show, may not have shared scenes with Mitte, but he considered him a friend on set. In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul said, “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 played Hank Schrader, DEA agent and Walter Jr.’s uncle, wrote, “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.”

In an official statement, Mitte’s reps honored his legacy offscreen. “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. Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s,” they wrote. “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.”

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.

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