‘Breaking Bad’ star speaks as part of 25th anniversary of ADA
RJ Mitte’s “Breaking Bad” character – the son of a chemistry teacher turned powerful meth dealer – served as the bleak, award-winning show’s moral compass, one who offered advice, encouragement and hope.
In real life, the 23-year-old actor delivered a similar message to students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
“One person can’t save the world,” he told the crowd at Pierson Auditorium. “But you can affect millions of people by what you say and what you do.”
Mitte, who has a rare form of cerebral palsy, received that rare lifetime opportunity with “Breaking Bad,” which he starred in from age 14 to 21. His breakthrough has led to more acting jobs but also is the “perfect role” to enlighten a broader audience about people with disabilities.
“I can’t imagine my life being any different,” Mitte said in his talk “Overcoming Adversity: Turning a Disadvantage to an Advantage.”
Mitte was delivered by emergency C-section and wasn’t breathing at the time of his birth. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three; doctors put his legs in casts for months in an attempt to straighten his feet.
Mitte was fitted with leg braces and used crutches throughout most of his childhood. Over time, his body became stronger through sports and exercise and he no longer needed walking devices by the time he was a teen.
His younger sister received an offer to act in a film in 2006, so his family moved to Los Angeles. Mitte started his career as an extra and took acting lessons. Shortly after, he was offered the role of Walter White Jr., who also has cerebral palsy, in “Breaking Bad.” He said the seven-year-experience of the show was all positive.
“We really enjoyed each other and had a lot of fun,” Mitte said.
And “Breaking Bad” served as a catalyst. Mitte is the youth spokesperson for the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour, which works to improve the financial situation of low-income persons with disabilities. He also is a spokesperson for “I AM PWD,” the tri-union campaign that advocates for actors with disabilities.
“Being passionate and loving what you’re doing is the key,” Mitte told the audience.
Mitte answered questions from the crowd and posed in pictures with a long line of students after the event, sponsored by the UMKC Student Government Association and the Office of Student Involvement Leadership Education and Development Series.
“I will stay here with you as long as it takes.”