R.J. Mitte Remembered by ‘Breaking Bad’ Casting Director Sharon Bialy
Casting director Sharon Bialy has paid tribute to R.J. Mitte, who died on 12 October aged 34. Mitte played Walt Jr. in *Breaking Bad*, a role written as a character with cerebral palsy; the casting team set out to find an actor with the condition, aiming to portray a family in which it was present but seldom discussed.
Bialy recalled meeting Mitte, then 14, at his audition in February 2007, and said his openness and joy stood out despite his limited acting experience. The team saw about 20 actors before taking two finalists to New Mexico to read with Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn; Vince Gilligan ultimately gave Mitte the part. Mitte later presented Bialy and her partner Sherry Thomas with a 2011 award recognising opportunities for actors with disabilities.
- R.J. Mitte was 14 when he auditioned for *Breaking Bad*.
- The casting team sought an actor with cerebral palsy for Walt Jr.
- Sharon Bialy recalled Mitte’s warmth and openness.
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Breaking Bad is a television drama about Walter White, a chemistry teacher who becomes involved in making and selling illegal drugs. His son, Walt Jr., is written as having cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination. The casting team sought an actor with the condition for the role, which went to R.J. Mitte.
Sharon Bialy was one of the programme’s casting directors, helping find actors for its roles. The series starred Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn as Walt’s parents, and was created by Vince Gilligan. Mitte’s casting is part of the story of how the programme portrayed disability and who gets the opportunity to play disabled characters.