Aaron Paul paid tribute to his late “Breaking Bad” co-star RJ Mitte by posting one of Mitte’s many videos on Instagram advocating for mental health awareness. Mitte, who played Walt Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC drama series, died on October 12 at the age of 34. The actor’s official cause of death was suicide.
“Hey everyone, I hope you’re doing well today during these uncertain times. I’d like to talk to you a little bit about mental health,” Mitte says directly to the camera in the video Paul posted. “It’s very important to take care of your physical health, but it’s just as important to take care of your mental health. More often than not, we hide that. We hide what we really feel, what we really think – the ‘OK’, ‘I’m fine’ and ‘I’m fine’. But is that really who you are? Are you okay? Are you good? Not always, but it’s okay to not always be good. It’s not okay acceptable to maintain this feeling, to maintain these emotions so I hope to inspire everyone who sees this video today.
Paul accompanied the video with a touching tribute to Mitte in the caption which read: “You have always been an inspiration to so many. I am so sorry that you hurt my friend. I wish we knew that. You constantly had a smile on your face and took on every challenge that was thrown at you with such confidence and grace. I met you when you were a little boy and watched you grow into a beautiful young man. Face every challenge head on. 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 full of challenges, but you never let any of that get 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 lucky to be on with ‘Breaking Bad.’ I hope anyone reading this and feeling lost, sad, or uncertain about the future will say something. Life is so special.
Paul is one of several “Breaking Bad” actors who have taken to social media to pay tribute to Mitte since her death. Bryan Cranston, who headlined the series as Walter White and played the father of Mitte’s character, said he was “desperate” following the news.
“I met him when he was just 14 years old, when he was playing the role of Walter White Jr., a role he played with such joy and enthusiasm,” Cranston wrote. “Born with cerebral palsy, he never allowed this challenge to be an excuse for anything. He faced the demanding filming schedule with great determination… It’s especially devastating to learn that he took his own life. Why? We were texting each other just a few weeks ago to see when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future… But I know I loved him and really enjoyed being with him him throughout the years of the series… I will miss you, my son.
Watch Mitte’s video in Paul’s Instagram post below:
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Gn entert
