Breaking Bad actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have led tributes to their co-star RJ Mitte after his death aged 34.
Mitte rose to fame in his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr in the Emmy-winning show, which ran for five series from 2008 to 2013, and used his platform to advocate for disability rights from his experience of living with cerebral palsy.
A statement shared by his publicist on behalf of his family said: “Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.
“Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He also served as president of The Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”
Cranston, who played his on-screen father and drug kingpin Walter White, said he was in “deep despair” following the news.
In an emotional Instagram post, Cranston said the pair had exchanged text messages in recent weeks and tried to arrange a catch-up.
“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.”
Cranston said: “He met the demanding shooting schedule head-on with great determination.
“Always listening to the advice that his TV parents (Anna Gunn and myself) gave him – but being a teenager, sometimes mischievously ignoring the counsel in order to learn the hard way… He was one of the stars of a hit TV show – but still a kid.”
He added: “All that promise and potential now is such a loss…
“I’ll miss you, son.”
Mitte, real name Roy Frank Mitte III, was an actor and producer who started his career in entertainment playing minor roles in sitcoms such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.
He made a name for himself in 2008 after landing a lead role in hit crime series Breaking Bad, starring as the son of mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin.
Mitte first appeared in the series aged 15 and had a recurring role until its conclusion in 2013, featuring alongside Hollywood stars such as Cranston and Paul, as well as Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk and Dean Norris.
Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, said in a statement to US trade publication The Hollywood Reporter: “I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news.
“RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Norris, who played Mitte’s uncle and Drug Enforcement Administration agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, also shared a tribute, writing on social media: “Oh my God! Was working (and) just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken.
“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”
Matt Jones, who played Brandon “Badger” Matthew on the crime series, captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram: “I met you 19 years ago, you were only 15. I’m beyond devastated. You were a little brother to all of us.”
Mitte also landed TV roles in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance, and has featured in films such as Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton.
During his varied career, Mitte walked the catwalk for a Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and also presented part of Channel 4’s coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics.
Mitte has also appeared in several music videos, working with the likes of English band Nothing But Thieves and US rockers Hollywood Undead.
At the age of three, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which the NHS describes as the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination caused by a problem with the brain that develops around birth.
Mitte was outspoken about his disability and passionate about using his platform as an actor to educate and inform viewers.
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