R.J. Mitte Revealed Hollywood Casting Struggles Before Death

Private messages from R.J. Mitte showed the actor's years-long struggle for broader opportunities in Hollywood before his death at 34 in Brownsville, Texas. The messages revealed his concerns about casting practices, limited roles and efforts to change disability representation.

According to the Daily Mail, Mitte wrote the messages to a longtime friend in 2017 and later years while continuing auditions and developing projects. He became known for playing Walter White Jr. on AMC's Breaking Bad.

Mitte said casting decisions often limited disabled performers to roles specifically written around disability rather than allowing them to portray varied characters.

"When I go for a part, they sometimes tell me that it's not a character with a disability, and I'm like why can't the character be disabled?" said R.J. Mitte, actor.

The actor argued that his Breaking Bad role demonstrated he could portray a character whose identity was not defined only by cerebral palsy. He continued seeking roles despite setbacks.

"I can do any role, but some of [the casting agents and directors] are [expletive]s who won't even look at me," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

Mitte also described unsuccessful projects during his search for consistent acting work. He told his friend that a television pilot he worked on had not moved forward.

"Worked on a pilot that didn't go, a few months ago. Brutal biz," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

The actor later discussed finding opportunities after completing an independent film project in Sydney, Australia. He hoped to continue working in the United States and maintain his health insurance.

"I did a job in Sydney, and it was fun," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

Mitte explained that the Australian production did not guarantee future work at home. He continued looking for projects while managing the uncertainty of the entertainment industry.

"But it's a film not going to be here, it's Australian, I hope I can find stuff here. I would like to work enough to keep my [health] insurance. Pain in the ass lol." said R.J. Mitte, actor.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Mitte continued pursuing acting opportunities, including work in Canada and voice projects. He said staying visible remained important for finding new roles.

"I've got to figure out more work," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

He followed that message by explaining his need to remain connected with casting professionals. The comments reflected his concerns about maintaining a steady career.

"I need to keep myself relevant lol." said R.J. Mitte, actor.

Mitte also raised concerns about assumptions facing disabled performers during the pandemic. He believed some industry decisions were influenced by misconceptions about disabled actors' health.

"Gotta convince people that I'm not going to die of Covid. There's a backlash about people with disabilities, they think that we can't be insured or that we are going to die in the middle of a scene, its [expletive]," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

Beyond his own career, Mitte advocated for wider disability representation. According to the source, he served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's.

"I would love to switch on my TV and see a disabled person talking about something they are genuinely interested in or acting out a part that doesn't just focus on their impairment," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

In later messages, Mitte discussed scripts he felt did not provide meaningful characters. He said he began creating his own material to find stronger opportunities.

"Looking for interesting stuff to do, getting a lot of scripts where I would be a prop and they don't want to give any depth, 3 lines if that," said R.J. Mitte, actor.

The actor followed by describing his decision to develop projects independently. The messages were written while he continued seeking more substantial roles.

"I'm writing my own [expletive] now." said R.J. Mitte, actor.

Mitte's representatives confirmed his death and described him as an actor, philanthropist and disability rights advocate. His upcoming Western film Forgotten Outlaw was placed on hold after his death, according to TMZ, with director Nik Tizekker planning to continue the project in his honor.