RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr, also known as Flynn, in Breaking Bad, died at the age of 34 on October 12. Following the news, his co-stars and several members of the entertainment industry took to social media to pay tribute to the actor. Bryan Cranston, who played his on-screen father Walter White, shared an emotional message recalling Mitte's journey from a teenager on the set of the acclaimed series to an actor and disability rights advocate.
Cranston revealed that the two had been exchanging messages just weeks earlier to arrange lunch. "I don't know if that lunch would have changed his future… But I do know that I loved him," he wrote, adding that he had thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Mitte during the show's run and in the years that followed. Recalling their first meeting, when Mitte was just 14, Cranston praised his enthusiasm, determination and growth as an actor. He ended the tribute with the words, "I'll miss you, son."
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in the series, also expressed his grief in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed," he said. Paul also addressed those reading his message, reminding them that they are loved and not alone.
Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader, Mitte's on-screen uncle, remembered looking out for the young actor when they worked together. "Though RJ didn't play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set," Norris wrote on X. Describing Mitte as "a sweetheart of a young man", he said he was heartbroken by the news and sent his thoughts to the actor's family.
Actor Marlee Matlin, who worked with Mitte on Switched at Birth, shared a brief but heartfelt tribute. "My heart is shattered. There will never be another like RJ Mitte. You will always have a place in my heart," she wrote. Actor JB Blanc, who also worked with Mitte on Breaking Bad, remembered him as a lovely person, describing his death as very sad news.
Among the most personal tributes came from Micah Fowler, the actor known for playing JJ DiMeo in Speechless, who also has cerebral palsy. Fowler credited Mitte with helping him develop confidence as he entered the industry. Recalling their work on disability advocacy projects and the documentary Motionless, Fowler called Mitte a pioneer who broke through stereotypes and demonstrated his talent across different roles. He concluded that Mitte's legacy would endure.
Montel Williams, who described Mitte as a friend and an inspiration, offered a particularly striking reflection on his advocacy. "He got through the door, and then he held it open for people with disabilities," Williams wrote. The tribute captured the wider significance of Mitte's career: his success was not only a personal achievement but also a means of creating greater visibility for other disabled performers.
Actor Gilles Marini remembered Mitte as a kind person whose diagnosis never defined his potential, while Lou Diamond Phillips described him as a wonderful young man and sent his condolences to the actor's family and friends. Vincent Martella also recalled Mitte's kindness, saying that he had been genuinely nice to everyone he encountered. Morgan Fairchild, meanwhile, expressed shock at the news, noting that she had spoken with him only weeks earlier.
The tributes extended beyond his friends and colleagues. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing performers, remembered Mitte for his portrayal of Walter White Jr and noted his Screen Actors Guild Award recognition as part of the Breaking Bad ensemble. US Representative Vicente Gonzalez also paid tribute to Mitte, highlighting his commitment to supporting the arts in Brownsville and creating a more inclusive world. Writer Joyce Carol Oates remembered his performance in Breaking Bad, describing it as excellent.
