Aaron Paul is honoring his late “Breaking Bad” co-star RJ Mitte by putting the actor’s own mental health advocacy back in the spotlight.
Paul posted one of Mitte’s videos about mental health awareness on Instagram, pairing it with a deeply personal tribute and an appeal for people struggling with sadness or uncertainty to speak up. Mitte, who played Walt Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC drama, died Oct. 12 at age 34. His official cause of death was suicide.
In the video, Mitte speaks directly to viewers about treating mental well-being with the same seriousness as physical health.
“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,” Mitte says. “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?”
Mitte acknowledges that people will not always feel fine, but urges them not to keep those emotions buried.
“It’s OK to be not always good,” he says. “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 Remembers Mitte’s Kindness and Strength
Paul’s caption looked back on their years of knowing each other, from Mitte’s youth through their time together on “Breaking Bad.” He described his former co-star as an inspiration who met challenges with confidence and grace.
“I am so sorry you were hurting my friend. I wish we knew,” Paul wrote. “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.”
Paul also recalled calling Mitte “Superman” the last time they saw each other, explaining that Mitte reminded him of the character because “you always led with kindness and strength.”
Continuing the tribute, Paul remembered Mitte’s laugh and the enjoyment he brought to their shared experience on the series.
“What an absolute tragic loss,” he wrote. “I loved your laugh and how much fun you had riding the wave we were all blessed to be on with ‘Breaking Bad.’”
He closed with a direct message to anyone who might be experiencing the feelings addressed in Mitte’s video: “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.”
Bryan Cranston Shares His Grief
Paul is among several “Breaking Bad” actors who have paid tribute to Mitte on social media. Bryan Cranston, who led the series as Walter White and played the father of Mitte’s character, said he was in “despair” after learning of Mitte’s death.
Cranston remembered meeting Mitte when he was 14 and had been cast as Walter White Jr., saying the young actor approached the role with “joy and enthusiasm.” He also reflected on Mitte’s determination while working through the show’s demanding production schedule.
“Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never — ever — allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything,” Cranston wrote. “He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination.”
Cranston said the two had been exchanging text messages only weeks earlier as they tried to arrange lunch. While acknowledging that he did not know whether that meeting could have affected what happened, he emphasized the affection he had for Mitte throughout their years on the series.
“But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series,” Cranston wrote. “I’ll miss you, son.”
ShowBiz Take
Paul’s post does more than memorialize a co-star: It allows Mitte’s own message to lead the conversation. By sharing the video alongside memories of the smile, confidence and strength Mitte showed others, Paul underscored the central point of the recording — outward assurances that someone is “fine” do not always reveal what that person is feeling.
The tribute also extends Mitte’s appeal beyond remembrance. Both the video and Paul’s caption urge people not to conceal emotional pain and to say something when they feel lost, sad or uncertain.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.