Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte had a deep affection for Australia, returning to the country regularly for filming opportunities and personal trips.
The American star, who died at his Texas home on Monday aged 34, filmed the comedy-drama Standing Up For Sunny in Sydney’s famous beachside suburb of Bondi in 2018.
Directed by Steve Vidler, the film featured Mitte alongside Australian performers Philippa Northeast, Sam Reid and Matt Nable. His character becomes romantically involved with a Sydney local during the story.
Mitte spoke enthusiastically about spending several months in Sydney for the production, telling a local publication that he felt as though he was “living the dream.”
“I love it. Australia’s a great country. I’m a really big fan of Illawarra; I think it’s such an amazing environment – I love Sydney and Wollongong,” Mitte told Rough Cut magazine.
“I’ve spent time in Adelaide, in Melbourne and in a few other places, and it’s really a great community. Working in the film industry there was a pleasure.”
Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte was a passionate admirer of Australia and visited the country frequently for work and holidays.
The American actor, who died at his Texas home on Monday aged 34, filmed Standing Up For Sunny in Bondi in 2018. He is pictured with Australian co-star Philippa Northeast.
The Mississippi-born actor also praised Australia’s performers, having worked with stars including Luke Hemsworth, Barry Humphries and Ella Scott Lynch during his career.
“I mean, Australian actors have been invading American cinema. The level of professionalism in Australia is apparent. The quality of work that comes out is at such a high level,” he said.
“It really is remarkable to see. And Steve Vidler has such a great demeanour with how he presents everything – it’s really special.”
“It really was a surreal experience as a whole. I was living the Australian dream, you know? I was working in Newtown, living in Bondi – that’s the dream for an actor, isn’t it? To work in the hipster capital of Sydney and live by Bondi Beach.”
Before production began in December 2017, Mitte was frequently seen making the most of his time at Bondi Beach.
Speaking to Australia’s Cerebral Palsy Alliance, he said his love of the country had brought him back several times.
“It’s been great. This is my fifth time in Australia, it’s been great, always a pleasure to be here,” Mitte said.
In Standing Up For Sunny, Mitte played an American living in Sydney who falls for Philippa Northeast’s character from Home and Away. The pair connect through their shared passion for stand-up comedy.
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Mitte starred alongside established Australian performers Philippa Northeast, Sam Reid, pictured right, and Matt Nable in the comedy-drama.
The Mississippi-born actor frequently spoke about his admiration for Australian performers, including Luke Hemsworth, with whom he also worked.
On Tuesday, Northeast remembered her late co-star on social media, posting photos of the pair enjoying time together alongside the message: “Rest in Peace, you beautiful man.”
Mitte appeared in 56 episodes of Breaking Bad between 2008 and 2013, playing Walter White’s son. Bryan Cranston portrayed the character, a terminally ill high school chemistry teacher who goes on to build a methamphetamine empire.
In 2019, six years after Breaking Bad, Mitte admitted he still missed being a part of the show’s cast.
‘That’s going to follow me ’til the day I die,’ he told The Sydney Morning Herald as he reflected on his time on the hit AMC series.
The role took Mitte’s career to a whole new level and ‘opened a lot of doors’ for him, allowing him to pursue passion projects, such as starring alongside Luke Hemsworth in the 2018 movie River Runs Red.
A county official confirmed to TMZ that Mitte, known for playing Walter White Jr on the hit AMC show from 2008 to 2013, died on Monday in Texas – and that a death investigation is ongoing.
It was later confirmed Mitte had died by suicide.
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) when he was three, and he went on to advocate for actors and those working in the entertainment industry with disabilities.
CP is a group of disorders that affect movement, posture and balance due to abnormal brain development or damage.
Symptoms range from muscle stiffness and poor motor control to difficulties with balance and coordination.
Mitte’s representative told TMZ Monday: ‘It is with profound sadness we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte.
‘RJ Mitte was best known for his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series Breaking Bad.
‘Drawing from his own experience living with cerebral palsy, Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion.
‘Beyond entertaining friends and family around the world, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s.’