‘You’re going to be OK’: Breaking Bad actor comforts RJ Mitte just days before his death
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A touching video has emerged from Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte’s last public appearance before his death, aged 34.
Mitte, who played Walter White’s son, Walter White Jr, in the hit US TV series from 2008 to 2013, died by suicide in Brownsville, Texas, on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).
RJ Mitte with Luis Moncada at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico Instagram/@luis_moncada
In the social media tribute, former co-star Luis Moncada is heard giving the actor some reassuring words just eight days before his death.
Moncada, who played hitman Marco Salamanca in the drama, shared footage of the pair taking a hot air balloon flight whilst attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.
The 49-year-old actor can be seen patting Mitte’s head as it rests on his shoulder, giving words of comfort to the younger man.
“Put your head on my shoulder. You’re gonna be OK,” Moncada tells Mitte before they both giggle.
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“Rest in Peace RJ - I Love you Lil Brother,” Moncada captioned the social media clip.
The sweet moment, though seemingly playful between the co-stars, is now seen in a different light as it was used in tribute to the late actor.
Moncada’s real-life and on-screen twin, Daniel Moncada, who played Leonel Salamanca in the hit TV series, also paid tribute to Mitte with a series of photos.
“RIP RJ I love you and I’ll miss you little brother,” he captioned the video montage of photos.
Bucket-list moment
It turns out the flight was a bucket-list moment for Mitte, according to StrangeKind Ballooning, which facilitated the adventure.
“RJ told us that while living in Albuquerque and filming Breaking Bad, he had been part of a balloon crew,” they wrote in a post on Instagram.
“He knew the early mornings, the chasing, the launches, and the work of packing everything away. But his filming contract hadn’t allowed him to fly.
“After all those years helping on the ground, he was finally taking his first balloon flight. Sharing his first flight is a memory we will always treasure.”
The company expressed the team’s heartbreak at hearing the news of his death and not having him back.
“We were looking forward to getting to know him more and welcoming him back,” they wrote.
“It’s hard to believe that morning will now be our only one together.
“RJ was one of the kindest people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He greeted every passenger with a huge smile, asking how their morning was going. His excitement, warmth, and laughter brought so much joy to everyone around him.
“When we landed, neighbours came outside and were amazed to see him. He took a picture with every person who wanted one, making time for our passengers and the families who had gathered.
“The smiles, laughter, and conversations continued long after the flight. He even jumped in to help us pack away the balloon.”
‘One of the greatest things that I have’
Mitte’s time at the balloon festival on October 4 is believed to be the late actor’s last public appearance.
The former Hannah Montana star’s last interview was a day later on October 5, appearing on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, where he spoke about “living life to the fullest”.
The disability advocate who was living with cerebral palsy – a neurological condition permanently affecting body movement and muscle tone – said his greatest success hasn’t been his roles, it’s been his ability to give back to the community.
RJ Mitte was famous for playing Walter White’s son in the hit US drama series Breaking Bad. Ursula Coyote/AMC
“That’s really the greatest thing that Breaking Bad has given me, is to be able to lend my voice to causes that make a meaningful impact that changes people’s lives,” Mitte said.
“I think that’s one of the greatest things that I have and it’s not the awards.
“It’s not all of these things people assume come with this. It’s literally being able to impact someone’s life in a meaningful way that without that, wouldn’t have it.”
In his final role, Mitte was showcasing diversity on screen playing the lead role in the film Talking to Strangers.
RJ Mitte attended the premiere of his new, and now last, movie on September 30. Getty
He starred as Joshua, “a rigid and guarded loner with cerebral palsy, who forms an unexpected connection over lunch with Marty, a vibrant and impulsive woman”.
Mitte, along with co-star Lin Yin (who played Marty) attended the premiere of his new, and now last, movie on September 30.
If you or someone you know is seeking support and information about suicide prevention, call or visit Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 46. In the event of an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
