Aaron Paul's Tribute to RJ Mitte
Aaron Paul, known for portraying Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, posted a tribute honoring his former co-star RJ Mitte, who passed away Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at 34. A representative stated the cause was suicide. Paul wrote that he felt deep sadness upon learning Mitte had been struggling without anyone knowing. He called Mitte an inspiration to many and remembered how Mitte consistently wore a smile while meeting every obstacle with poise and self-assurance.[S1]
Paul looked back on first encountering Mitte as a young child and then seeing him develop into a wonderful young man who confronted each difficulty directly. Recalling their final meeting, Paul said he repeatedly called Mitte Superman, since Mitte's compassion and resilience brought the superhero to mind. Paul described the death as an utterly heartbreaking loss and added that he cherished Mitte's laughter and the enjoyment they shared while working on Breaking Bad.[S1]
Paul additionally asked anyone who feels adrift, unhappy, or unsure about what lies ahead to reach out and to support one another. He advised people to contact someone they hold dear and tell that person they are loved. Paul closed his message by telling Mitte he loved him and offering an apology. He also posted a clip in which Mitte discussed mental health, noting it is acceptable to struggle sometimes but not acceptable to keep such feelings bottled up, and voicing a wish to inspire those watching.[S1]
RJ Mitte's Career and Legacy
RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter White Jr. on the Emmy-winning series Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013. Like his character, Mitte had cerebral palsy, though his condition was milder; he was diagnosed at age three. He received critical acclaim for his performance and remained with the show throughout its celebrated run. In 2013, he was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award, named after the first actor with a disability to win an Oscar.[S1]
Mitte's death has prompted an outpouring of grief from his Breaking Bad co-stars, with several sharing memories and tributes. The cast's reactions reflect the deep impact Mitte had on those he worked with and the broader community. His portrayal of Walt Jr. brought visibility to actors with disabilities and earned him a lasting place in television history.[S1][S6][S7]
