R.J. Mitte -- Star of "Breaking Bad" -- Speaks to the College of Charleston

Cougar Activities Board (CAB), within the Office of Student Life at the College of Charleston, hosted RJ Mitte to talk about overcoming adversity. Mitte is best known for playing the role of Walt, Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC drama "Breaking Bad." Now, Mitte has a recurring role on the Peabody Award-winning ABC Family drama, "Switched at Birth," playing Campbell, a pre-med college student paralyzed by a snowboarding accident who works at the free clinic.
RJ Mitte has worked his entire life to not only overcome but triumph over his disability. Born with mild cerebral palsy, the health struggles Mitte experienced early in life were compounded when he became a victim of school bullying. Upon hearing that bullying was at the root of several teen suicides in 2010, Mitte began speaking out on the topic via TH-cam and in the media. He is now a role model for anyone who has faced difficulty and gone on to accomplish greatness in their lives. From bullying victim to Hollywood actor in a hit show, Mitt has turned his disability into an asset, and delivers an inspirational message to campus audiences to never let anything hold you back -- you can make of your life whatever you want.
Mitte spent much of his childhood in both Austin, TX and Lafayette, LA where he learned to deal with and overcome many of the challenges presented by his cerebral palsy. In 2005, he arrived in Hollywood, where his acting career began with background roles on such TV series as Hannah Montana and Everybody Hates Chris. His big break came in 2008 with Breaking Bad, which he viewed as the "perfect role" to enlighten a broader audience about people with disabilities.
Beyond his acting, Mitte is involved with several organizations that raise awareness of equality and diversity. He is the Youth Spokesperson for the National Disability Institute's Real Economic Impact Tour, which works to improve the financial situation of low-income persons with disabilities. He is also a spokesperson for "I AM PWD," the tri-union campaign (SAG, AFTRA & Actors' Equity) that advocates for actors with disabilities. In 2011, Mitte became a Celebrity Youth Ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy.