Aaron Paul Pays Emotional Tribute to Late ‘Breaking Bad’ Co-Star RJ Mitte

Aaron Paul Remembers RJ Mitte Following Tragic Death at Age 34

RJ Mitte, the actor and disability rights advocate best known for playing Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on AMC’s Breaking Bad, died by suicide on Oct. 12, 2026, in Brownsville, Texas, at the age of 34. His representatives confirmed the cause of death, drawing an outpouring of grief from his former co-stars.

Cameron County Justice of the Peace Judge Cyndi Hinojosa previously stated that his family has deep roots there, noting, RJ was a beloved member of our community, and his passing has left us shocked and heartbroken. Hinojosa added that he had become actively involved with local residents and the arts community in recent years, helping open a cultural museum and meaning so much to the area.

Aaron Paul Shares Emotional Tribute and Mental Health Video

Aaron Paul, who starred alongside Mitte as Jesse Pinkman, took to Instagram to honor his late castmate by sharing a throwback video of Mitte speaking about mental health awareness. In the accompanying caption, Paul recalled the last time they saw each other, writing that he repeatedly called him Superman. You reminded me of him because you always led with kindness and strength. It was blinding, Paul wrote. Paul lamented the loss and urged anyone struggling with the future to speak up, stating, Life is so damn special. Connect with someone you care about and say I love you.

Upon hearing the news, Paul expressed that he was entirely unsure what to do, recalling how he first encountered Mitte as a young boy and watched him blossom into an exceptional young man who fearlessly confronted every obstacle. You constantly had a smile on your face and you took every single challenge that was given to you with such confidence and grace, Paul wrote, noting that Mitte was born into a world with challenges but never let any of that stand in his way. Paul also shared a video of Mitte speaking directly to viewers about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health equally as much as physical health, where Mitte stated, It’s okay to be not always good. But it’s not okay to harbor that feeling, harbor those emotions.

Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn Express Despair Over Sudden Loss

Anna Gunn, who played his onscreen mother Skyler White, also released a statement remembering Mitte’s boldness and humor when he joined the show at age 14. How lucky we were that RJ came into the Breaking Bad family and lit up our lives, Gunn said.

Gunn recalled meeting him when he was only 14 years old, being immediately struck by the depth and complexity of someone so young who was gentle, bold, exceedingly kind, wickedly funny, a bit rebellious like any teenager, and eager to learn and hone his craft. There truly are no words to express the heartbreak of a loss this profound, the loss of a beautiful young man who had such an impact upon this world, with still so much ahead of him, Gunn added, also remembering quiet personal moments of mutual support, belly-aching laughter, silliness, care, and deep love. Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, shared that he always looked out for Mitte as a young kid on set, calling him a sweetheart of a young man.

From Breaking Bad Breakthrough to Disability Advocacy

Diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy at age three, Mitte brought authenticity to his role on the five-season series that ran from 2008 to 2013, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award for best drama ensemble in 2014 and the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award in 2013. Using the visibility gained from the television series as his platform, he became an outspoken champion for actors with disabilities and directed a charitable foundation centered on supporting the disabled community.

Earlier in the month of his passing, Mitte made an appearance on The Joe Vulpis Podcast to praise working with Cranston and Gunn on the crime drama.

Pending Autopsy and Crisis Support Resources

A final manner of death remains pending following an autopsy. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The Trevor Project provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ+ youth at 1-866-488-7386. International resources can be found through Befrienders Worldwide at befrienders.org.

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