*By: Madison Alworth*
RJ Mitte wants to change the way people perceive those with disabilities.
And the "Breaking Bad" actor has an idea of how to do that.
"If you want to have a really amazing impact with what you're doing, bring real characters. Bring real people," Mitte told Alyssa Julya Smith at the SeriesFest industry festival in Denver.
Mitte is best known for his role as Bryan Cranston's son on the hit AMC show. He pulled from his personal experience to play a teen with cerebral palsy, a disorder he was diagnosed with at the age of three.
Now, he is working to help other actors and creatives with disabilities make an impact in the industry. Mitte works with the SAG-AFTRA Performers With Disabilities Committee and spoke on its panel at SeriesFest this year. The discussion, titled "Inclusion Impact", featured agents, casting directors, writers, and actors who are all working to create a Hollywood more inclusive of disabilities.
Mitte hopes to not only open doors for disabled creatives, but to also encourage them to follow their dreams and not let fear get in the way.
"'Can't' is a decision. That's a conscious decision of, you're not going to do that," said Mitte.
Instead, he wants others to look for possibilities everywhere.
"I think we need to change that mindset of 'can't' and really realize that if you want that, take that. That belongs to you. But you have to work for it, you have to go out there and make that yours."
For the full segment, [click here.](https://cheddar.com/videos/actor-rj-mitte-on-expanding-diversity-in-hollywood)
Ahead of National Dog Day on Saturday, Alina Hauptman from Best Friends Animal Society joined Cheddar News to discuss adopting a dog from a shelter and what the organization is doing to help pets that have survived the Maui fires.
Jack Dunn, bartender at Great Jones Distilling Co. in Manhattan, spoke with Cheddar News about the history of the whiskey sour and the process involved in making it.
Today is National Whiskey Sour Day and Cheddar News is celebrating! Michelle Castillo spoke with Celina Perez, head distiller at Great Jones Distilling Co. in Manhattan, to discuss how the business got started with a state-of-the-art operation and the process involved in making their fine whiskey drinks.
After decades in the ring, a Connecticut man is celebrating after obtaining his first boxing title, thanks to his wife who had a personal battle of her own and guided him.
A Jersey Shore man has painted sea shells -- nearly 500 of them -- to raise awareness around epilepsy that have traveled as far as Asia and Australia.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are the most likely nominees for the 2024 presidential election, but you won't see many new books about either this fall. A Barnes & Noble official says there's “an exhaustion of interest" in political titles right now, even in books about Trump, Biden's immediate predecessor in the White House.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte goes on sale Thursday in the U.S. and Canada, as it does each year when the nights start getting longer and the fall winds gather.
Wondering what to watch this weekend? This week we have a wacky combo of a bat mitzvah battle, Jake Paul, and a weird medieval podcast.
A man in Georgia set a Guinness World Record for having the most Batman memorabilia.
Cheddar News explores how you can enjoy a more affordable getaway while staying local. The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York City offers a day getaway with convenience and nostalgia as added ingredients.
