When it comes to competing for the best TV series in modern history, Breaking Bad always seems to be at the top of the list, and for good measure. Among the numerous exceptional performances by many talented stars in the series, RJ Mitte’s is remembered for the empathy he brought to his character.
However, in recent years, despite the show’s rising popularity, there haven’t been many projects in Hollywood that have showcased Mitte’s talents. There are several reasons why the star isn’t on Hollywood’s top priority list, despite many of the Breaking Bad cast members doing well for themselves in Hollywood after the show.
1. RJ Mitte Suffered Typecasting After Breaking Bad
Ever imagined how doing such a great job in one of your performances makes you attached to that role, even when you want to move away from it? This is exactly what RJ Mitte inevitably managed to accomplish when he played the role of Flynn/Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad.
While it brought a gravity to Mitte’s character of Walter Jr., it also became a typecasting role for him, where the character type of a disabled person was all that executives saw in him after his portrayal. However, Mitte had a different view on his typecast (via Suitcase Magazine):
I’m not worried about being typecast. You’re only ever typecast because you choose to accept jobs of playing certain characters. You can do something else, other than that role – you can go and try and create another business, another life, and yes, continue to act, but have many facets of what you’re doing. And that’s what I’m doing, so I don’t get typecast. I DJ, I model, I do a lot of charity work. I do everything that keeps the lights on!
Therefore, Breaking Bad turned out to be both a blessing and a curse for Mitte’s career.
2. Limited Roles for Actors With Disabilities Like RJ Mitte
Unlike stars who portray people with disabilities on-screen, the best example being Sir Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Mitte suffers from Cerebral Palsy in real life as well. This is also one of the reasons why he managed to do such a fine job with the character, since he knows firsthand what that disability feels like (via She Knows).
But at the same time, his medical condition also acts as a hindrance to his career to reach higher in it. So far, there have not been many stars with limiting physical conditions that have risen to the heights of superstardom, which comes down to what they can do in front of the camera.
Therefore, it becomes harder for production companies to bet their money on stars who suffer from these conditions in real life.
3. RJ Mitte’s Focus Is on Activism Over Acting
While he may be active in the industry, although not on a major scale, Mitte has a good reason for it. Since he suffers from his physical condition, yet manages to perform on screen, he’s a big advocate for others with different physical ailments to be able to do the same.
In an interview with Disability Horizons, the star talked about how he believed that he could make a change through his efforts in Hollywood, saying:
I have seen a big change in the acting community with regards to inclusion and diversity. There’s still a long way to go, but more people than ever before have been given a voice and access to roles. There are many different communities still needing help, so I urge everyone to get involved and do your best to listen to everyone’s voice advocating for change.
And through his role as Walter White Jr. in one of the most popular TV shows of all time, he has proven that he can back up his words amply.
4. Indie Projects Are More up RJ Mitte’s Alley
Despite being part of one of the biggest, most outperforming TV shows in history, it seems like RJ Mitte has an affinity for smaller, more humble projects rather than big-budget productions. After his role in Breaking Bad, the star has been part of many lesser-known projects in the entertainment business (via 3DVF).
On the film side of things, he’s been part of projects like House of Last Things and The Recall. His most recent project was playing the role of Fitz in the film Westhampton, which received a lot of praise from the critics (via The Hollywood Reporter)
5. RJ Mitte’s Efforts Are More Behind-The-Scenes
As well as being in front of the screen, Mitte’s career has also seen him behind the camera as a producer on several occasions, where he’s produced independent films like Triumph in 2021. At the same time, he’s been part of projects that are outside the realm of TV and cinema.
RJ Mitte for Vivienne Westwood Spring 2016 pic.twitter.com/kH0N2AD042
He’s been part of several music videos in his career as well, which include Dead Bite, Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World, If I Get High, and Never Really Know.
6. Transition Challenges Post-Breaking Bad Hindered RJ Mitte’s Ascent
Through the help of the points mentioned earlier about his medical condition, his affinity for passion projects, and a true belief in his activism for the less-abled, his transition into proper Hollywood elites was stunted.
His reluctance to truly delve into the industry, along with his limited set of abilities, makes it sad to see such a talented star not being one of the big names in Hollywood. But at the same time, following his heart and doing what’s best for the community makes him happy, which, at the end of the day, is all that matters.
7. The Hollywood Industry Shifted Against RJ Mitte’s Talents
Lastly, it all comes down to the Hollywood industry itself shifting its priorities and focusing more on safe, high-budget flicks that can generate the most revenue and profit for the investors. This is a stark contrast to Mitte’s best project, Breaking Bad, which was an ode to the art of filmmaking and storytelling.
And with the star’s lack of association with any such films in his career, executives are yet again reluctant to bring him to the forefront of a high-ticket production. Thus, these are some of the reasons why Mitte isn’t a household name in the industry anymore.
Here’s more information about Breaking Bad, the show that made Mitte a star.
What are your thoughts on Mitte’s absence from the bigger Hollywood stage? Tell us in the comments below.
Breaking Bad is available to stream on Netflix (US).
