As is the regrettable case whenever a public figure dies these days, it’s left to their loved ones to not only deal with their grief, but to combat the swirls of often irresponsible gossip left behind on the internet. That was the task left to Dyna Mitte, whose son, actor RJ Mitte committed suicide nearly a week ago. The Breaking Bad star was 34.
Following a Celebration of Life ceremony for the actor in Brownsville, Texas on Sunday, Dyna Mitte spoke via Zoom with The Hollywood Reporter not only to celebrate her son’s life but to put to rest at least some of the speculation concerning possible contributing factors to RJ Mitte’s death. Mitte began by speaking to other parents, noting, “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.” Mitte noted that she had been urging her son to seek therapy for months prior to his death.
As to those struggles, Mitte, who spent the ceremony comforting RJ’s sister younger Lacianne and listening to the emotional tributes from her son’s many friends, told THR‘s Chris Gardner that the online chatter about her son’s motivations are largely unfounded. “Well, first of all, I know there’s been some speculation that his career had taken a dive or this and that,” said Mitte, “And honestly, I want to straighten that out right now.” Mitte noted that her son had “three movies that have already come out this year,” with two more on the way. (RJ Mitte’s IMDb page lists at least a half-dozen upcoming projects in various stages of completion.)
Mitte also debunked rumors that RJ was undergoing financial troubles regarding a previous manager, stating unequivocally, “That happened years ago, had already been resolved, and was not related to what happened now.”
Mitte was a bit more circumspect when discussing reports from TMZ that RJ’s recent separation from fiancé Kennedy Suarez may have factored into his actions, with Dyna only noting of the couple’s relationship, “I can share certain things, but some things are private and are not my story to tell.” She added, “I can say there were struggles, but those conversations were private between R.J. and me and between him and his friends. She moved in December, and they had only seen each other three or four times since then. I don’t know what those conversations were after she moved.” Mitte noted that Suarez did not attend Sunday’s ceremony.
In all, the interview paints a somber, occasionally wrenching portrait of a relative coping with private grief in a very public setting. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, 988lifeline.org/ is a valuable resource.
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