Bryan Cranston reveals he planned lunch with RJ Mitte weeks before his death: “I loved him”

• Bryan Cranston shared a heartfelt tribute to RJ Mitte, his on-screen son from Breaking Bad, following the actor's tragic death
• Cranston revealed the two had been texting just weeks before Mitte's passing, discussing plans for a lunch that never happened
• The Walter White actor ended his tribute with 'I'll miss you, son' and urged anyone in crisis to seek professional help

Breaking Bad fans and Hollywood alike are reeling following the death of RJ Mitte, the actor best known for playing Walter White Jr. on the iconic AMC series. Mitte died by taking his own life, and his on-screen father Bryan Cranston has broken his silence with a deeply personal tribute that has moved thousands online.

Cranston, who portrayed the calculating chemistry teacher-turned-drug lord Walter White alongside Mitte for five seasons, shared the tribute on Instagram on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. He recalled first meeting Mitte when the young actor was just 14 years old, cast as Walter White Jr. in what would become one of television's most celebrated dramas.

"I'm in deep despair as I write this tonight," Cranston wrote, describing Mitte as someone who brought "such joy and enthusiasm" to the role.

Bryan Cranston shares texts with RJ Mitte

Perhaps the most gut-wrenching detail in Cranston's tribute was his admission that the two had been exchanging text messages just weeks before Mitte's death, trying to pin down a date to meet for lunch. The plans never came together.

"I don't know if that lunch would have changed his future," Cranston wrote, "but I do know that I loved him."

He closed the tribute with four words that have resonated deeply with fans:

"I'll miss you, son."

Read the full post below:

Fans react to the loss

The tribute drew an outpouring of grief from fans who remembered Mitte fondly. Below are some of the reactions:

@iamdchairman wrote:

"This is so heartbreaking, sincere condolences to his family 🙏"

@sarahtoddhammer shared a personal memory:

"I had the honour of meeting RJ at an event, and he was so happy to chat, spent so much time talking with me and was so humble. This news has made me so sad 😢"

@zephyr_core responded directly to Cranston's mention of the missed lunch:

"'I don't know if that lunch would've changed his future.' I'm absolutely devastated to read this. I'm sure you helped him more than you know, as you've been such a beacon of positivity for us all. What a tragic loss. My heart goes out to both his and your family."

@slumflowerart left a lengthy message for anyone who may be struggling:

"I hope he found the peace he couldn't find in life... Please ask for help, and even if it's the wrong person, ask again until you find the right help. You are not alone, you are loved, you are needed."

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the SADAG Crisis Helpline (24/7): 0800 567 567 · SMS: 31393 · SADAG Website: www.sadag.org.

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Source: Briefly News

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