RJ Mitte

RJ Mitte provides a unique authenticity to the character (Walter White, Jr.) he plays on AMC's series Breaking Bad. He has cerebral palsy and so does RJ. The lanky, dark-haired teen had to adjust to the role. "Getting used to (Walter's) crutches was really hard because I'd never used them," Mitte says. "I had to learn where to put my feet and how to use my weight, and speak with more of a slur." Bad centers on terminally ill high school chemistry professor Walter White (Malcolm in the Middle's Bryan Cranston). Diagnosed with inoperable cancer, White decides to build a slush fund for the family, using his science background to concoct a prized version of the street drug crystal meth. He portrays a teenager who is a bit of a smart-aleck at heart, but a good kid who doesn't pity himself. "He just wants to be treated like everybody else," That's precisely how RJ wants to be viewed, says his real life mother "We never wanted him to think he couldn't accomplish what he wanted in life.He just hopes other people with disabilities set their goals high. He's a role model. I'm very proud of him." JR landing the role as an actor with a disability as Hollywood is so focused on brawn and beauty. Although he has the good looks, "Sometimes, if there's a choice between someone disabled who has never acted and a talented, able-bodied actor who's had acting jobs, the decision is to go with someone who has the experience," says Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Breaking Bad is Mitte's first major role. Though he has fun on the set and enjoys his castmates, he's still adjusting to being in front of the camera. "It's cool and it's scary at the same time." Gilligan, 41, wrote the part of Walter Jr. to honor a handicapped friend, now deceased, from his college days at New York University. "What I love about RJ is he's like his character: He doesn't feel sorry for himself. He's a teenager who just happens to have cerebral palsy." Mitte never figured he'd be an actor. The Louisiana native moved to Hollywood after his sister, Lacianne, was spotted by a talent agent in late 2005. His manager thought Lacianne was too young, but he suggested RJ might be actor material. "We saw qualities in him right away — he's extremely photogenic and has charisma — he's got a witty, somewhat snarky sense of humor," Witt says. Mitte eventually got a recurring gig as an extra on Hannah Montana, but not because of his disability. Typically, casting directors can't distinguish him from able-bodied actors. "At first, we didn't tell them. So it would be a shock when they found out," Mitte says. "Some act a tiny bit weird. I just make them laugh, and they're fine." RJ still finds time to fish, paintball, go to the movies and hanging with friends. He recently took up ballroom dancing. "You can do anything if you set goals," he says. "You just have to push yourself."