“Breaking Bad ”Star RJ Mitte Reveals His Very First Audition as a Teen Was for an Anti-Meth Commercial: ‘Full Circle’

RJ Mitte Reflects on His Audition Journey and the Impact of ‘Breaking Bad’

In a recent appearance on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, actor RJ Mitte shared candid insights about his early experiences in acting, particularly focusing on an audition that now seems ironically significant in light of his career-defining role in the acclaimed series “Breaking Bad.” Mitte, who is renowned for his portrayal of Walter White Jr., recounted how his first audition in Los Angeles was for an anti-meth public service announcement (PSA).

Mitte, now 34 years old, revealed that his initial foray into acting involved auditioning for a PSA advocating against methamphetamine use. “My very first audition I ever did in Los Angeles was a PSA for the state of California. It was an anti-meth commercial,” he disclosed. The host, Vulpis, noted the irony in this trajectory, to which Mitte agreed, acknowledging the full circle nature of his journey. He humorously remarked, “Fast forward to auditioning for Breaking Bad, which is still, in my opinion, an anti-meth thing because it doesn’t end well for anyone.”

The actor elaborated on the intense auditioning process for “Breaking Bad,” describing it as one of the longest and most challenging experiences of his career, spanning over six months. He recalled taking part in four auditions in Los Angeles and one in New Mexico, where he collaborated directly with the show’s casting director to shape his character’s portrayal of cerebral palsy.

Mitte shared a memorable moment during one of his auditions when the casting director, who had sustained an injury, offered him her crutches to help him understand the physicality of his character. “The casting director broke her leg skiing. So she had a cast on and crutches. During one of my auditions, she’s like, ‘Here, take my crutches.’ Because I’ve never used crutches,” he explained. This unique experience allowed him to bring authenticity to the role of Walt Jr., who, like Mitte, has cerebral palsy.

Moreover, Mitte revealed that the character of Walt Jr. was based on a real-life individual, a friend of series creator Vince Gilligan who also lived with cerebral palsy and used forearm crutches. This connection added depth and significant emotional resonance to Mitte’s performance. “So it really felt real, playing this character and getting into the groove with this character,” he noted.

His determination paid off when he returned for a crucial audition after a month, at which point he was informed that the role of Walt Jr. was among the last major cast positions still unfilled. “I was one of the very last main cast to be in the series. I already missed the cast dinner,” he joked. Despite the last-minute nature of his participation, he was swiftly flown to New Mexico for an audition, leading to a swift decision from Gilligan and producers regarding his casting.

In an exciting turn of events, a mere hour after his audition, Mitte received the call he had been waiting for: “Hey RJ, you got the part. Pack your bags. Get back to Los Angeles… and come back to set. You’re already late. We need you here.” This marked the beginning of a life-changing chapter for the young actor.

Since the conclusion of “Breaking Bad” in 2013, Mitte has continued to pursue a career in both film and television, appearing in various productions, including the upcoming project “Westhampton” and other titles like “Love Me Dead” and “Talking to Strangers.” His acting journey has broadened his horizons and deepened his passion for storytelling.

On the personal front, Mitte recently took a significant step in his life by proposing to his fiancée Kennedy Suarez on her 30th birthday. He spoke affectionately about their relationship, expressing his excitement to start their lives together: “I’m thrilled to have found my person, my partner in life who makes me want to be better, no matter what we’re doing,” he remarked. “Kennedy is my everything and I can’t wait to officially start our life together and see what adventures life takes us on next.”

Mitte’s reflections offer a glimpse into the journey of an actor whose career has been shaped by both triumph and personal growth. As he continues to navigate the complexities of life and work, his story serves as a testament to resilience and the unexpected pathways that can lead to success.