For Bryan Cranston, RJ Mitte was much more than just a fellow actor. For five seasons, the two stood in front of the camera together for the successful series „Breaking Bad.“ Cranston played the chemistry teacher Walter White, and Mitte played his son Walter White Jr. Now the 70-year-old bids farewell with personal words.

„I am deeply saddened as I write these lines. RJ Mitte, my dear son from ‚Breaking Bad,‘ has passed away,“ Cranston wrote on Instagram.

He particularly remembers their first meeting vividly. Mitte was just 14 years old at the time and was cast for the role of Walter White Jr. Even as a teenager, he impressed with his determination. Although Mitte lived with cerebral palsy, he always faced the challenges of the demanding filming schedule.

Particularly painful for Cranston is that the two had been in contact just a few weeks ago. They had exchanged messages and planned a joint lunch. It never happened.

„I don’t know if this meeting would have changed his future,“ Cranston wrote. What he does know: He loved Mitte and greatly enjoyed the time spent with him—both during filming and in the years afterward.

„I will miss you, my boy,“ he concluded his emotional farewell.

Cranston also honored Mitte’s commitment off-camera. The actor had used his fame to advocate for people with disabilities and their opportunities in the film industry. Cranston described the loss of this potential as a heavy blow.

Even Aaron Paul, who as Jesse Pinkman was one of the most well-known characters from „Breaking Bad,“ showed himself deeply affected.

„I am speechless. This news breaks my heart. RJ, I love you, my friend. You will be missed,“ Paul told the „Hollywood Reporter“.

His words were directed not only at his deceased colleague but also at people who might find themselves in a difficult life situation: „And whoever is reading this: You are loved and not alone. Never forget that.“

Dean Norris, who portrayed the DEA agent Hank Schrader in the series, also reacted shaken. He especially remembered Mitte’s early days on set.

„Even though RJ didn’t play my series son, I always looked after him on set when he was still a young guy,“ Norris explained.

Oh my God! Was working just found out about RJ I am heartbroken Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. 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.