RJ Mitte

An actor whose real-life experience with cerebral palsy defined his iconic role as Walter White Jr.

RJ Mitte is an American actor born on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, he moved to Hollywood in 2006. He gained his breakthrough role as Walter White Jr. on the AMC series Breaking Bad (2008–2013), a character who also has cerebral palsy.

Quick Facts

Born: 21 August 1992
Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Occupation: Actor, producer
Years active: 2006–present
Partner: Kennedy Suarez (2018–present; engaged)

Lore & Background

Walter White Jr., known in the show as Flynn, is the son of protagonist Walter White. In the series, he navigates life with a disability while witnessing his father's descent into crime.

Reader's Guide

Casting for Walter White Jr. sought an actor with cerebral palsy to ensure authenticity. RJ Mitte, who had worked as a background extra on shows like Hannah Montana, took acting lessons after receiving small roles. He won the part despite limited experience at that level. This approach allowed him to portray the character with raw emotional depth.

Did You Know?

Mitte was born without breathing due to an emergency caesarean, resulting in permanent brain damage that led to his cerebral palsy diagnosis at age three.
He no longer needed walking devices like leg braces or crutches by his teenage years due to strength gained through sports and exercise.
At age 13, after his mother became paralyzed, Mitte assumed financial responsibility for her and his younger sister.
In 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award for his portrayal of Walter White Jr. and presented the RJ Mitte Diversity Award to deaf actor Ryan Lane.