‘Breaking Bad’ star RJ Mitte’s TV mom, Anna Gunn, shares touching tribute to late actor
Anna Gunn, who played RJ Mitte’s TV mom on “Breaking Bad,” shared a moving tribute to the late actor after he died by suicide at age 34.
“I’ll never forget meeting RJ when he was only 14 years old,” Gunn, 58, told Us Weekly in a statement Wednesday. “I was immediately struck by the depth and complexity of someone so young.”
The actress called Mitte a “gentle and bold, exceedingly kind, and wickedly funny” person who was “a bit rebellious (like any teenager) yet eager to learn and hone his craft” as a professional actor.
“Above all, he was doggedly determined that his disability would not impede him, but would instead give him the opportunity to enlighten and educate others through his nakedly truthful portrayal of Walt ‘Flynn’ Jr.,” Gunn said in the statement, referring to Mitte’s cerebral palsy diagnosis as a child.
Gunn said that the entire “Breaking Bad” cast was “lucky” that the actor “lit up [their] lives” for so many years.
Gunn played Skyler White, the mom to Mitte’s character, Walter “Flynn” White Jr. The two starred on “Breaking Bad” for all five seasons.
“How lucky I was to play his TV mom, to watch him evolve and expand as an actor and human being as the seasons went by, and for all the years after as he continued to serve his community with tireless advocacy and philanthropic work,” she said. “I was so proud of him; we all were.
“There truly are no words to express the heartbreak of a loss this profound, the loss of a beautiful young man who had such an impact upon this world, with still so much ahead of him,” Gunn continued.
The star added that she is choosing to cherish the “quiet, personal moments” she shared with her “beloved TV son,” including their moments of “belly-aching laughter and silliness,” as well as “care and deep love.”
Mitte’s representative confirmed to Page Six that the actor died by suicide in Texas.
An autopsy is still pending, though a judge said that there appeared to be no signs of foul play.
In a statement to Page Six, Mitte’s rep wrote, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.
“RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr. on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series ‘Breaking Bad.’ Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
Mitte’s rep added that “beyond entertaining friends and family around the world,” he was a proud 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,” the statement continued.
“At this time, we ask people to respect the privacy of RJ Mitte’s family and close ones.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.