RJ, who starred in the AMC crime drama series alongside Bryan Cranston from 2008 until 2013, appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast on October 5 – just two weeks before his death
RJ Mitte spoke about his breakout role as Walter White Jr in Breaking Bad just two weeks before his tragic death at 34 on Monday.
RJ, who starred in the AMC crime drama series alongside Bryan Cranston from 2008 until 2013, appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast on October 5 and addressed his “most complicated” scene in the show.
The award-winning American neo-Western crime drama, created by Vince Gilligan, followed high school chemistry teacher Walter White as he was diagnosed with stage-three lung cancer and went on to produce and sell methamphetamine to pay for his treatment and leave behind money for his family.
RJ had played Walter’s teen son in the show, who also had cerebral palsy.
Speaking about a difficult scene he had needed to tackle in the show, he referred to Walter’s final phone call with his dad. He admitted he felt “a lot of pressure” in getting it right and that he didn’t understand the character as much then.
“I really think for me one of the most complicated scenes that I’ve had to do was that final phone call,” he said. “It’s the last time he talks to him. In reality, I didn’t understand it as much as I do now.
“‘But I still had a lot of pressure and felt a lot of pressure in trying to make sure that was right. And where it set, and the tones, and the confusion, and the different levels of that.
“Because he’s now hearing this in his school. He’s hearing it from people. He’s been stained by this reputation of Heisenberg. And it’s like, I don’t know who Heisenberg is. Wait, that’s my dad. That’s my father, and he killed my uncle. Like he’s a murderer.
“And so that realization for him was something that I really wanted to make sure that I met those criteria. And you know, listening to the directors, listening to Vince [Gilligan], and really Bryan [Cranston] was there that day as well.
“He was in the room when we did that scene. So really kind of figuring out how to do that scene justice.”
RJ also admitted he never liked watching himself on TV and said that it “never helped him”.
“‘I find for me it doesn’t help me,” he said. “I dwell in it. I’m someone that when I mess up or like something happens, I dwell and I spiral. Where it’s like, what could I have done differently? How could I have done that differently?”
Asked where he thought the White family would be today, he said: “I don’t think it’s a good place. I really don’t see Skyler, Walt Jr and Holly are in the best position now. I would like to think what everyone wants: Walt Jr got the money and Walt Jr is following in the footsteps and all these things.
“In reality, I see it more like a sadness and a despair, and that they don’t get the money. Because you know when DEA comes in, especially to a man like Walter White, like Heisenberg, who isn’t just some small nobody but a global distributor destroying millions of lives, they don’t just let the family go. They don’t just go, ‘Okay, well he’s dead, or he’s gone. Y’all have a great life now.’
“It’s like, no, you’re under lock and key. They’re watching you. They’re making sure that none of his aliases come back.”
The Breaking Bad actor’s representatives confirmed he died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas.
In a statement shared with news outlets, they wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.
“Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.”
The Brownsville Police Department recieved a call at 12:50pm local time, and sadly, Mitte was found dead upon arrival. “The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation,” they said.
A judge later declared Mitte dead at 1:32pm local time. A medical examiner will now determine the official cause of death, following an autopsy. However, there was no sign of foul play.
His on-screen father, Bryan Cranston, shared his heartbreak at the news, revealing that the pair had been texting in recent weeks and had arranged to meet for lunch.
The actor wrote: “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight. RJ Mitte, my sweet son on Breaking Bad has died.
“I met him when he was only 14 years old, when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head-on with great determination.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email _jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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