Anna Gunn Pays Tribute To Breaking Bad Son RJ Mitte After His Death: 'You Live In My Heart Forever'

Following the death of "Breaking Bad" star RJ Mitte, his TV mom Anna Gunn is reflecting on their relationship in an emotional tribute to the "gentle and bold, exceedingly kind, and wickedly funny" actor best known to the world as Walter White Jr.

"I'll never forget meeting RJ when he was only 14 years old," Gunn begins in a statement obtained by TVLine. "I was immediately struck by the depth and complexity of someone so young. ... 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 through his nakedly truthful portrayal of Walt 'Flynn' Jr."

Gunn expresses that the entire "Breaking Bad" family was "lucky" that Mitte entered their orbit and "lit up our lives," adding, "How lucky I was to play his TV mom, to watch him evolve and expand as an actor and human being as the seasons went by, and for all the years after as he continued to serve his community with tireless advocacy and philanthropic work. I was so proud of him; we all were."

"There truly are no words to express the heartbreak of a loss this profound, the loss of a beautiful young man who had such an impact upon this world, with still so much ahead of him," Anna Gunn says of RJ Mitte. "What I choose to remember and cherish today are the quiet, personal moments I shared with my beloved TV son. Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love. You live in my heart forever, my dearest RJ."

A rep for Mitte has confirmed that the actor died by suicide, and Gunn ends her tribute with a message to any readers who might find themselves in a similar situation: "If you are struggling, please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org)."

Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte's father on "Breaking Bad," shared his own emotional statement earlier this week, referring to Mitte as his "sweet son" and acknowledging his "deep despair" over the actor's unexpected passing.

Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman on "Breaking Bad," also recently shared his disbelief and heartache at the loss of his former co-star and forever friend.

"RJ, You have always been an inspiration for so many," he wrote in an Instagram post accompanied by a video of Mitte discussing his mental health struggles. "I am so sorry you were hurting my friend. I wish we knew. You constantly had a smile on your face and you took every single challenge that was given to you with such confidence and grace. 

Looking back at their time working together, Paul writes, "I met you when you were a little boy and watched you grow into a beautiful young man. Taking on every challenge head on. The last time we saw each other I kept calling you Superman. You reminded me of him. You reminded me of him because you always led with kindness and strength. It was blinding. You were born into a world with challenges but you never let any of that stand in your way. I'm so sorry RJ. What an absolute tragic loss. I love you my friend. I loved your mother. Your sister. I loved your laugh and how much fun you had riding the wave we were all blessed to be on with 'Breaking Bad'."

Paul then pivots, as so many other tributes have, to reminding everyone about the importance of asking for help if needed, as well as checking in on others.

"I hope whoever is reading this note that feels lost or sad or uncertain about the future please say something," Paul writes. "Life is so damn special. It's impossible that we exist, but yet we all are here. There is so much going on in all of our lives but far too much beauty in this world to ignore. We need to focus on that. We must suffocate the noise and focus on each other. Hold each other up. That's what this life is all about. Connect with someone you care about and say I love you. RJ, love you my friend. I'm so sorry. AP."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Text MHA to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor from Crisis Text Line.