In Breaking Bad RJ Mitte is sweet and sometimes moody teenager, Walter White Junior. In real life he's all grown up, reflective and going with the flow.
What's on TV talked to the star about working on the global hit series, fame, and what having cerebral palsy in Hollywood means for the talented actor… "]
On fame and acting RJ, 22, said: “I’m very lucky to have the fans I have. But it’s part of the job. I’m not doing this to collect fans. I’m doing this to work. My favourite part of this job is being on a set and working with the crew.”
Describing his time on Breaking Bad, which ran from 2008 to 2013 and was essentially his big break, RJ revealed: “It was an amazing, amazing experience. I started the show when I was 13, and finished when I was 21. It was insane. It was a long run and we were very close. And I’m sad that it’s ended. The next thing is You Better Call Saul. I’m not part of it, but it’s amazing they've brought it to life and it does the Breaking Bad legacy justice.”
During the chat, RJ reveals he’s never watched the cult TV show in its entirety, in fact, he’s not a big fan of having his picture taken or watching anything he’s starred in!
He explained: "I’ve seen the first and last episode of every season. I know what happens, I don’t really need to watch it. I’ve never really watched any of the things I’ve been in. Interviews, or even looking at photographs, it’s not my thing!"
The star has recently finished filming Who’s Driving Doug and is currently working on Triumph.
RJ explained that he never had any desire to get into acting, but moving to LA changed all that.
“My sister’s agent signed me up. If you move to Los Angeles and you don’t go to school, you don’t join a gang and you don’t act, you’re not going to do anything. I started doing it to meet kids my own age and make friends. I started working in background and did extra work on about 30 different shows including Hannah Montana and Everybody Hates Chris.
“I recommend anyone who wants to get into acting [to] get into background. They feed you, they pay you and you get to see how a set unfolds!”
RJ has mild cerebral palsy (CP) and is a spokesperson for the condition.
When starting out in Hollywood he reveals his approach to dealing with his condition in this notoriously perfect-image focused industry was to not mention it: “I didn’t put CP on my resume. I don’t think anyone should have to put their challenge or disability on their resume. So I didn’t!
“When I went to auditions I’d make them ask before I’d tell them I have mild cerebral palsy. It would be an after fact. I’d make them see me as a person first.”
He adds: “It wasn’t my goal to be an actor. This job isn’t as glamorous as everyone makes it out to be. At the end of the day it’s a business and people need to look at it and treat like that a lot of the time. But, the thing is, you can have a lot of fun doing this business. It’s an amazing life.”
For the full interview with RJ Mitte, watch the video above.
