RJ Mitte

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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. The character serves as an emotional anchor for Walt, though their relationship faces strain as secrets are revealed.

In Their Own Story

RJ Mitte moved from Mississippi to Los Angeles in 2006 after his sister received a film role offer. He began with minor sitcom roles before being cast as Walter White Jr., a role that allowed him to use his disability to educate viewers. Beyond Breaking Bad, he starred in Switched at Birth (2014) and appeared in films like Time Share (2018), The Oak Room (2020), and executive produced Triumph (2021).

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. The production team occasionally adjusted scripts to accommodate his natural speech patterns and physical movements rather than forcing exaggerated performance. 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.