RJ Mitte
An actor who turned his personal experience with cerebral palsy into a groundbreaking, educative role on television's most celebrated drama.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actor and producer·Birthday: August 21·Millennials
Biography
RJ Mitte's entry into acting was less about chasing fame and more about finding representation. Diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy as a child, he moved to Los Angeles as a teenager where his condition became an asset for roles seeking authenticity. His casting as Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad was a cultural milestone; he didn't just play a character with CP, he brought lived-in nuance to the part, challenging stereotypes and educating millions of viewers. Beyond the show, Mitte became a dedicated advocate for disability awareness, using his platform to promote inclusion in Hollywood. His career represents a shift where an actor's real-life experience became central to portraying one of television's most recognizable characters.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
RJ was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When RJ Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
RJ's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Walter 'Flynn' White Jr. on the critically acclaimed drama series Breaking Bad.
- Served as a national ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy, advocating for disability inclusion.
- Won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series as part of the Breaking Bad cast.
Did You Know?
To play Walter White Jr., who had more pronounced cerebral palsy, Mitte had to relearn to walk with crutches and wear leg braces.
He worked as a print model before landing his breakthrough acting role.
Mitte is also a producer and has worked on several short films and documentaries.
“My disability is a part of me, but it doesn't define who I am.”
