RJ Mitte, a star on AMC’s hit show “Breaking Bad” and anti-bullying activist, will be giving a talk entitled “Overcoming Adversity: Turning a Disadvantage Into an Advantage” tonight at the South Grand Ballroom in the Student Union Memorial Center. Mitte, who lives with a form of mild cerebral palsy, launched his bullying awareness campaign via Youtube in 2010. Mitte will be stressing the importance of respect for others and the acknowledgement of diversity. “Kids don’t respect kids anymore,” Mitte says in a Oct. 2010 interview on Youtube.
Mitte’s breakout role as Walter White’s son, Walt Jr., on “Breaking Bad” has put him in the spotlight as not just an actor with a disability, but an actor that has used his fame to push his motivational platform. Unlike a simple celebrity spokesperson, Mitte knows firsthand the effects of bullying, and was spurred to create his campaign after hearing of teen suicides, as an result of bullying, in 2010.
The event is free but seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to the event — Hollywood actor or not, Mitte’s message is surely not to be missed.