Luis Moncada has revealed he saw warning signs in RJ Mitte’s final days and tried to intervene before the actor’s death.
Moncada, 49, who played Marco Salamanca on AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” said Live on Tuesday that he reunited with Mitte, 34, at a charity golf tournament more than a week ago. The two later attended a comedy show with fellow castmate Steven Quezada. During that time, Moncada said he noticed Mitte’s demeanor had shifted.
“He was being pulled in all kinds of directions,” Moncada said of Mitte’s thoughts at the time, though he kept private what specifically troubled the younger actor. “He was very conflicted about that.”
Moncada described Mitte as “really tired and sad,” saying he was “in his head” about the “stress of life” and facing pressure. To lift his spirits, Moncada invited him to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta the following day. The outing appeared lighthearted — Moncada later posted Instagram footage showing Mitte laying his head on his shoulder as they both laughed during the hot air balloon ride.
“He was just struggling with that,” Moncada added.
During their last conversation, Moncada offered Mitte a place to stay with him and his son for a couple of days. Mitte declined. Moncada made him promise to call upon returning home.
That call never came.
Moncada grew emotional recalling the exchange, noting that Mitte had been “an amazing friend” who had helped him through a difficult period just months earlier. He said he had urged Mitte not to struggle alone.
“RJ is just the sweetest person I’ve ever met in my entire life,” he said.
On Monday, Moncada shared the balloon ride video alongside photos of Mitte with the “Breaking Bad” cast through the years. “Rest in Peace RJ – I Love you Lil Brother ❤️,” he captioned the post.
Bryan Cranston, who played Mitte’s on-screen father Walter White, paid tribute on social media following the death of the disability rights advocate. Cranston, 69, said he was “in deep despair” at the loss.
“Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never – ever – allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination,” Cranston recalled.
The two had been texting weeks earlier and making plans for lunch. “I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future,” Cranston wondered.
Aaron Paul, 45, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, told The Hollywood Reporter he was “at a loss.”
“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend,” Paul shared. “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.”
Mitte portrayed Walter “Flynn” White Jr. Across all five seasons of the acclaimed drama. Born with cerebral palsy, he became a prominent disability advocate throughout and after his acting career.
The original incident that sparked this wave of tributes occurred when Mitte died by suicide at age 34, his representative confirmed. News of his death prompted an outpouring from the “Breaking Bad” community and beyond, with co-stars sharing memories of his determination and kindness. Coverage of his final interview, conducted before his death, has drawn renewed attention to his reflections on mental health struggles.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-TALK (8255), the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or by dialing 988.