Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr., died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at age 34. Now, his ex-girlfriend has paid tribute to the late actor.
The Brownsville Police Department received a call at 12:50 p.m. local time and found actor RJ Mitte dead at his home, according to People. His representatives confirmed his death on Monday, October 12, in a statement.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte,” the statement reads.
“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
It was later confirmed in a statement to People that his cause of death was suicide.
“At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones,” the representative’s statement read, per Variety.
Ex-girlfriend shares heartfelt tribute
Following his death, RJ Mitte’s ex-girlfriend, Saint Sasha, has shared a heartfelt tribute, breaking her silence on his passing.
“I fell in love for the first time when I was 18. RJ was the first person to show me how a man is supposed to treat a woman,” she wrote on Instagram.
“He was the first partner to build me up and make me feel unstoppable. He had one of the kindest and rarest hearts I’d ever had the privilege to experience, and he was still a friend. I can’t believe this is real.
She continued: “Never in any lifetime could I forget him and how he made me feel. He was the first and last of his kind.
“Thank you for everything, endlessly, RJ. I love you, homie.”
“I’m in deep despair”
Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White in the hit series Breaking Bad, also paid tribute to his former co-star, reflecting on the teenager he first met when Mitte was cast as his on-screen son.
“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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. 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.”
He continued: “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. All that promise and potential now is such a loss. It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life.
“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… 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.”
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
Rest in peace, RJ Mitte. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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