Brief
Dean Norris and Anna Gunn mourn R.J. Mitte’s suicide
The actors recalled their friendship with Mitte and called for suicide‑prevention resources.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dean Norris and Anna Gunn, both former Breaking Bad co‑stars, publicly mourned the suicide of fellow cast member R.J. Mitte, who died at age 34 in Brownsville, Texas, according to the actor’s representatives.
What happened
Mitte’s death was confirmed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. His representative told The Hollywood Reporter that he died by suicide. Norris discussed the tragedy during a TalkShopLive livestream that was originally scheduled to promote his forthcoming book, Do What You’re Gonna Do: The Definitive Oral History of Breaking Bad, set for release on Nov. 17.
What the reports add
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Norris, who played Hank Schrader, said the loss “will forever change the dynamic of our cast” and that he felt the impact through texts and emails with fellow actors. He also mentioned that he will appear on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune this week and plans to donate to a suicide‑prevention charity, devoting his book tour to Mitte’s memory.
Anna Gunn, who portrayed Skyler White and was Mitte’s on‑screen mother, released a statement on Wednesday describing him as “gentle, bold, exceedingly kind and wickedly funny,” and highlighted his determination to use his disability to educate others.
What was said
During the livestream Norris said, “It’s such a tragedy with R.J. We’re all just shocked and in deep despair,” and urged anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help, adding, “There are suicide hotlines. There are all kinds of things. So please, please, please know that you can talk to somebody.”
Gunn’s statement included, “I’ll never forget meeting R.J. when he was only 14 years old… Above all he was doggedly determined that his disability would not impede him, but would instead give him the opportunity to enlighten and educate others.”
How it came about
Felo News previously reported on the reaction of Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, who posted an Instagram tribute on Oct. 13, 2026, confirming the cause of death as suicide. Earlier coverage also detailed Mitte’s career, his advocacy for disability rights, and his award‑winning role on the series. Norris’s and Gunn’s comments add personal reflections and a call to action that extend the earlier tributes.
Key facts
- R.J. Mitte died by suicide on Oct. 12, 2026, at age 34 in Brownsville, Texas. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Dean Norris discussed the tragedy during a TalkShopLive livestream promoting his upcoming Breaking Bad oral history book. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Anna Gunn released a statement praising Mitte’s character and advocacy for disability rights. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Norris said he will donate to a suicide‑prevention charity and devote his book tour to Mitte. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “‘Breaking Bad’s’ Dean Norris, Anna Gunn Mourn R. J. Mitte: “We’re All Just Shocked and in Deep Despair””
