RJ Mitte's mother has opened up about her son’s death, revealing he was doing well in his career and had been talking to a therapist.
The Breaking Bad star, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three and went on to play Bryan Cranston's onscreen son Walter, Jr. in the hit drama, died earlier this month at the age of 34.
His mother, Dyna Mitte, has now opened up about the tragedy and admitted "there were concerns" about his mental health but she encouraged him to seek professional help.
She told The Hollywood Reporter: "It was more about the conversations we were having - not just with me, but with his team and friends. There were concerns. That’s why I encouraged him to talk to a counsellor ... I told him to talk to a therapist and share his feelings and how he saw things ..."
Dyna also dismissed rumours the actor was having career or money issues, telling the publication: "I know there’s been some speculation that his career had taken a dive or this and that. And honestly, I want to straighten that out right now.
"They used to say: 'You may do a thousand auditions before you land one job' Well, obviously it doesn’t work that way today.
“Of course, Covid made things kind of slow but things picked back up. But honestly, RJ had three movies that have already come out this year. He has two more coming out. He has already signed deals on several new movies that he was going to be filming.
"There were talks of different things. He had a book coming out. He had a food truck he was starting. He had a lot going on."
She added: "There had also been speculation about a financial situation involving a manager. That happened years ago, had already been resolved, and was not related to what happened now."
Dyna went on to reveal she's convinced her son suffered a mental health setback, adding: "When something is tormenting you - whether it’s for an hour, a day, a week or a month - I think people can have weak moments. I believe that’s what happened in this case.
"That doesn’t mean he hadn’t been having personal struggles. He had been opening up to me, to his sister, to family members and to people on his team. I don’t know what else to say other than that it wasn’t something we expected. A mother should never have to find her child that way."
RJ was remembered at a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Mitte Center in Brownsville, Texas on Friday.
After his death, he was remembered by his former Breaking Bad co-star Bryan Cranston, who declared he was " in deep despair" following the tragedy.
Aaron Paul added in a statement: "I am at a loss."I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed."
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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Bryan Cranston speaks out after death of Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte
