“There’s definitely a lot of family dynamics when you work with a group so closely for so many years,” he said on the Cassius Morris Official podcast in 2021. “You do have that family dynamic part and that respect.”

In fact, Mitte added, “I respect them as much as I respect my mom and my father.”

Just as “unbelieveable” to him, though, was how much Breaking Bad was embraced by audiences.

“It’s truly life-changing,” he said on the Oct. 5 episode of The Joe Vulpis Podcast about being part of the show’s legacy. “Back then, we really didn’t realize how impactful the show was going to be.”

Shortly after Mitte’s death, his other costar Aaron Paul reacted to the tragic news.

“I am at a loss,” Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, told The Hollywood Reporter in an Oct. 12 statement. “I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”

Meanwhile, his onscreen uncle Dean Norris wrote on X, “Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set,” he continued. “He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”

For a look back at Mitte’s life in photos, keep scrolling…