Aaron Paul honored his late “Breaking Bad” co-star RJ Mitte by posting to Instagram one of Mitte’s many videos advocating for mental health awareness. Mitte, who played Walt Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC drama series, died Oct. 12 at 34 years old. The actor’s official cause of death was suicide.
“Hey everyone, I hope y’all are doing well today in this time of uncertainties. I would like to talk to you a little about mental health,” Mitte says direct to camera in the video Paul posted. “It’s very important to take care of one’s physical health, but it’s equally as important to take care of one’s mental health. More often than not, we hide that. We hide how we’re truly feeling, of what we’re truly thinking — the ‘OKs’ and ‘I’m fine’ and ‘I’m good.’ But is that what you really are? Are you OK? Are you good? Not always, but it’s OK to be not always good. It’s not OK to harbor that feeling, harbor those emotions. So I’m hoping to inspire each and every one that sees this video today.”
Paul accompanied the video with an emotional tribute to Mitte in the caption that read: “You have always been an inspiration for so many. I am so sorry you were hurting my friend. I wish we knew. You constantly had a smile on your face and you took every single challenge that was given to you with such confidence and grace. I met you when you were a little boy and watched you grow into a beautiful young man. Taking on every challenge head on. The last time we saw each other I kept calling you Superman. You reminded me of him. You reminded me of him because you always led with kindness and strength.”
“You were born into a world with challenges but you never let any of that stand in your way,” Paul continued. “I’m so sorry RJ. What an absolute tragic loss… I loved your laugh and how much fun you had riding the wave we were all blessed to be on with ‘Breaking Bad.’ I hope whoever is reading this note that feels lost or sad or uncertain about the future please say something. Life is so damn special.”
Paul is one of several “Breaking Bad” actors who have used social media to pay tribute to Mitte since his death. Bryan Cranston, who headlined the show as Walter White and played the father to Mitte’s character, said he was in “despair” following the news.
“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,” Cranston wrote. “Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination… It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future… But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series… I’ll miss you, son.”
Watch Mitte’s video in Paul’s Instagram post below:
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.