By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR
Published: | Updated:
RJ Mitte's mother has revealed his death was 'unexpected' because 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 after taking his own life at the age of 34.
His mother Dyna Mitte has 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 as she told 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.
RJ Mitte's mother has revealed his death was 'unexpected' because he was doing well in his career and had been talking to a therapist
The Breaking Bad star – who played Bryan Cranston's onscreen son Walter, Jr in the hit drama – died earlier this month after taking his own life at the age of 34 (pictured last month)
'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, R.J. 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.'
Elsewhere in the interview, Dyna discussed speculation he had a feud with his fiancée.
She said RJ had only seen his fiancée three or four times since she moved in December and said while there were struggles, she didn't want to delve into his personal life.
Dyna went on to reveal she's convinced her son suffered a mental health setback and believes he made the decision to take his life during a 'weak moment'.
She acknowledged RJ had been having personal troubles and had opened up to his family, but they never expected he would take his life.
She said: 'A mother should never have to find her child that way. It's a hard pill to swallow.'
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 while Aaron Paul said in a statement: 'I am at a loss.
'I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed.'
