Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston has said it is “devastating” that his co-star RJ Mitte took his own life and told others suffering “there is hope”.

Mitte rose to fame in his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr in the Emmy-winning show, which ran for five series from 2008 to 2013, and used his platform to advocate for disability rights from his experience of living with cerebral palsy.

Cranston, who starred in the show as drug kingpin Walter White, paid an emotional tribute to his on-screen son Cranston and said he was in “deep despair” following the news.

He wrote on Instagram: “All that promise and potential now is such a loss.

“It is especially devastating to hear that he took his own life. Why?

“We were texting each other just a few weeks ago – figuring out when we could meet for lunch. I don’t know if that lunch would have changed his future…

“But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed… I’ll miss you, son.

“I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope.”

A representative for Mitte confirmed he took his own life.

A statement on behalf of his family said: “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. He also served as president of the Mitte Foundation, supporting philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, while using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities.”

Mitte, real name Roy Frank Mitte III, was an actor and producer who started his career in entertainment playing minor roles in sitcoms such as Everybody Hates Chris and Hannah Montana.

He made a name for himself in 2008 after landing a lead role in hit crime series Breaking Bad, starring as the son of mild-mannered, high school, chemistry teacher Walter White, who transforms into a ruthless, drug kingpin.

Mitte first appeared in the series aged 15 and had a recurring role until its conclusion in 2013, featuring alongside major stars such as Cranston and Aaron Paul, as well as Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk and Dean Norris.

Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in the show, said in a statement to US trade publication, The Hollywood Reporter: “I am at a loss. 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.”

Norris, who played Mitte’s uncle and Drug Enforcement Administration agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, also shared a tribute, writing on social media: “Oh my God! Was working (and) just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken.

“Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set. 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.”

Mitte also landed TV roles in Switched At Birth, Vegas, Now Apocalypse and Chance, and featured in films such as Time Share, Dixieland and Westhampton.

During his varied career, Mitte walked the catwalk for a Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and also presented part of Channel 4’s coverage of the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics.

Mitte also appeared in several music videos, working with the likes of English band Nothing But Thieves and US rockers Hollywood Undead.

At the age of three, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which the NHS describes as the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination caused by a problem with the brain that develops around birth.

Mitte was outspoken about his disability and passionate about using his platform as an actor to educate and inform viewers.