This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
"Breaking Bad" actor RJ Mitte's mother is opening up about how she is coping with his unexpected death and her advice for other parents whose children are experiencing mental health struggles.
Dyna Mitte spoke with The Hollywood Reporter after the 34-year-old's celebration of life took place at the Mitte Cultural District in Brownsville, Texas, on Oct. 16. In the interview, she discussed the months leading up to her son's Oct. 12 death by suicide, her recommendations for him to speak with a therapist, the aftermath of finding him dead, and how she wants other parents to step
in to help their children.
"We need to shine a light on mental illness, depression and the importance of being there for one another. The world lost a bright light this week, and that light happened to be my son," she told the outlet. "It’s important for parents to realize that there may be big signs or small signs. If you notice, even in conversation, that there are struggles or questions, be really in tune with your children and take the steps you can to help."
Though her son had been opening up about his inner struggles to his family and team members for months, his suicide "wasn't something we expected," she said. She continued: "A mother should never have to find her child that way. It’s a hard pill to swallow."
Dyna Mitte previously told NBC News that her son had spent the days before his death with her and his sister. After he didn't answer his phone the morning of Monday, Oct. 12, she said she brought lunch to his home and found him dead. For months before his death, Dyna Mitte said, he declined her suggestions to go to therapy, telling her, "No, I've got it," she recalled.
"It wasn’t until he didn’t answer the phone that I recognized it as a red flag, because we talked regularly," Dyna Mitte told The Hollywood Reporter. She also noted that she'd thought her son "was in a place where we had gotten over the hump and that he was OK."
"Even if you think your child needs counseling – whether they want to go or not, whether they’re an adult or a minor – you find a way to get them there," Dyna Mitte said. "That would be my biggest message. Listen to your children. Watch for the signs. Be in tune with them, be there for them and be willing to get help when it’s needed."
RJ Mitte's mom clarifies speculation about his career trajectory
RJ Mitte, who found his breakout role in 2008 as "Breaking Bad's" Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White, was adopted at three days old, his mother said. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at around 3 years old and made advocating for disability representation on-screen a tenet of his career.
He "was the light of my life" who "was passionate and caring from an early age," Dyna Mitte said. She later added, "He wanted to change the world and make it better for everyone."
She also dispelled speculation that her son had "taken a dive" in recent years, telling THR that he had several projects to look forward to in the near future.
"RJ had three movies that have already come out this year. He has two more coming out. He has already signed deals on several new movies that he was going to be filming," she said. "There were talks of different things. He had a book coming out. He had a food truck he was starting. He had a lot going on."
Before his death, Mitte was promoting his new film "Talking to Strangers," in which his character, Joshua, also has cerebral palsy.
Reflecting on his celebration of life, during which RJ Mitte's sister and grandmother spoke, Dyna Mitte said, "I do believe RJ did see" the support and remembrances he received."
"I do believe that when we get to heaven, God rolls back the curtains and reveals some things. I’m sure he rolled back those curtains, and RJ saw today exactly who was there, who honored him," she said. "I do believe RJ was incredibly proud, and I'm sure that he was weeping and hearing all the wonderful things that were being shared about him. RJ would’ve been proud of each and every moment."
Steps for helping someone who is considering suicide
Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were nearly 49,000 deaths by suicide in 2024, according to the most recent federal data.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides suicide prevention resources, including contacts to reach out to with concerns and suggested support systems.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s BeThe1To website provides five action steps for opening a line of communication with a person who may experience thoughts of suicide, including asking: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Listen to their answer, then "Help them focus on their reasons for living."
Being physically or emotionally present for a person via phone and helping them connect with a support system, including the 988 Lifeline and community resources, are additional steps. Following up to make sure they have the support they need or if there are other ways you can help is another vital act that can reduce risk for suicide, according to the website.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, factors associated with an increased risk for suicide include:
- Prior suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- History of mental health conditions such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders
- Substance misuse
- Impulsivity or aggressiveness
- Serious family problems
- Breakups or other major relationship losses
- Access to means for self-harm (unsecured firearms, prescription medications, poisons)
- Social isolation
- History of traumatic experiences such as sexual violence or severe episodes of racial prejudice/violence, bullying
- Lack of access to mental health care
- Multiple exposures to suicide in one’s community or through unsafe coverage of suicide in the media
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RJ Mitte's mom opens up about 'red flag' before finding her son dead
