Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito has paid tribute to his friend and co-star RJ Mitte, saying he “will live forever in my heart” after he took his life aged 34.
The US actor rose to fame in his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr in the Emmy-winning show, which ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2013.
Mitte, who had cerebral palsy, also used his platform to advocate for disability rights and promote greater inclusion.
Esposito, who played ruthless drug kingpin Gustavo “Gus” Fring in the show, shared several pictures of himself and Mitte through the years alongside an emotional tribute.
He wrote on Instagram: “No words can express what your friendship has meant to me.
“I will remember the laughter, the rapture of pure joy in the loving moments we have shared.
“I will remember the magnitude of your kindness, your philanthropy, your being in service to others before yourself.
“You will forever live in my heart, representing how pure love can change the world!
“Rest in peace. Now you are free. Fly with the angels.”
Their Breaking Bad co-star Bryan Cranston also paid tribute, describing Mitte’s death as “devastating” and urging others suffering to seek help.
The actor, who played Mitte’s on-screen father Walter White, said they had been exchanging messages “just a few weeks ago” and had been planning to meet.
Cranston said: “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, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed… I’ll miss you, son.
“I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope.”
RJ Mitte played Walter ‘Flyyn’ White Jr in Breaking Bad (PA)
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A representative for Mitte confirmed he took his own life.
A statement 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.”
Mitte was outspoken about his disability (Ian West/PA)
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Mitte, real name Roy Frank Mitte III, was 15 years old when he first appeared in hit crime series Breaking Bad, appearing alongside major stars such as Aaron Paul.
The actor, who played Jesse Pinkman, said he was “heartbroken” to hear of Mitte’s death and, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, he wrote: “RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed.
“To whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”
Dean Norris, who played Mitte’s uncle and Drug Enforcement Administration agent Hank Schrader, also paid tribute.
“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set,” he wrote.
“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.”
Mitte first appeared in Breaking Bad aged 15 (Steve Paston/PA)
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Mitte appeared in TV shows including Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance, and films such as Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton.
He also walked the catwalk for a Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and presented part of Channel 4’s coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics.
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.