Aaron Paul Posts Video of ‘Breaking Bad’ Co-Star RJ Mitte Advocating for Mental Health Before His Death: ‘I’m So Sorry You Were Hurting’
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
The developing report adds Aaron Paul’s tribute to RJ Mitte, sharing a video in which his “Breaking Bad” co-star urged people to speak openly about their mental health. Paul said he was sorry Mitte had been hurting and encouraged anyone feeling lost or uncertain to reach out.
Mitte, who played Walt Jr., died by suicide on 12 October aged 34. In the video, he said mental health deserves as much care as physical health and that it is OK not to feel good, but important not to keep difficult feelings bottled up. Bryan Cranston also mourned Mitte, recalling his determination while living with cerebral palsy and saying they had recently planned to meet.
- Aaron Paul shared Mitte’s mental health message in tribute.
- Mitte died by suicide aged 34.
- Bryan Cranston recalled their recent plans to meet.
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Breaking Bad was a television drama about a chemistry teacher who becomes involved in making and selling illegal drugs. RJ Mitte played Walt Jr., the teacher’s son, and Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston were among the show’s other central cast members.
Mitte had cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination, and spoke publicly about mental health. His video urged people to take mental wellbeing seriously and to be open about how they feel. His death has brought renewed attention to those messages and to the support people may need when they are struggling.
Full account
Aaron Paul has shared a video of his late Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte speaking about mental health, alongside a tribute after Mitte’s death at 34. Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in the AMC drama, died on 12 October. His representatives confirmed that his death was by suicide.
In the clip, Mitte encourages people to look after their mental as well as physical health and to question the habit of telling others they are fine when they may not be. He says it is all right not to feel well, but urges viewers not to keep difficult emotions to themselves. Paul’s post brought renewed attention to Mitte’s public advocacy on the subject.
Paul wrote that Mitte had inspired many people and recalled his kindness, confidence and determination in facing challenges. He said he had known Mitte since he was a boy, remembered calling him “Superman” the last time they met, and expressed regret that he had been hurting. Paul also urged anyone feeling lost or uncertain to speak up, connect with someone they care about and tell them they are loved.
Other Breaking Bad cast members have also paid tribute. Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s on-screen father, said he was in despair and recalled Mitte’s enthusiasm and resolve on the series. Cranston also said they had been exchanging messages about meeting for lunch weeks earlier. Both reports include appeals to seek support, though the supplied coverage gives different hotline details and service names.
Where outlets differ
Source 1 foregrounds the video Paul shared and reproduces more of Mitte’s mental-health message; Source 2 focuses more on the full wording of Paul’s tribute, including its appeal to connect with others.
Source 1 includes Bryan Cranston’s reaction and recollections from the series. Source 2 does not include Cranston’s comments, but gives the location of Mitte’s death as Brownsville, Texas.
The reports provide different support-line wording: Source 1’s excerpt ends before the resource information is complete, while Source 2 names the US 988 call-or-text service.