Actor RJ Mitte Wants to Improve Disability Diversity in Hollywood
*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)
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