RJ Mitte: Overcoming Adversity

‘The things that I had to go through to get to walk, to talk, to move my hands, to pretty much fight for my independence, that is something that no one else can take away from me.’

RJ Mitte became famous playing Walter ‘Flynn’ White Jr in the hit TV series Breaking Bad, but he’s not just an actor – he’s also an activist. Like his character in Breaking Bad, RJ has cerebral palsy. It’s placed some hurdles in RJ’s path, from mobility to bullying, but hasn’t stopped him from acting, advocating for others – or even walking the runways of Milan for Vivienne Westwood.

Aside from his acting work – which has lately seen him branch out into producing roles, too – RJ devotes much of his time to campaigning on issues relating to equality and diversity. He is a union advocate for actors with disabilities in Hollywood and a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy. Having experienced school bullying at a young age, RJ is passionate about raising awareness of schoolyard cruelty and victimisation.

Join RJ Mitte as he speaks with candour about the challenges and triumphs in his life to date, and our capacity for change. In conversation with Tom Ballard.

The Wheeler Centre will provide for all possible access requirements for this discussion. If you require specific arrangements – or are attending and require guaranteed proximity to our Auslan interpreter – please contact Wheeler Centre reception in advance of the event. Additional space will be made available for those with accessibility needs, including extra allocated room for wheelchairs. 

Find out more about accessibility at our events here.