Life After Breaking Bad: Walt Jr. Exposes The Dark Side Of Child Acting, Money, & Greed | RJ Mitte

RJ Mitte, known as Walt Jr. from 'Breaking Bad,' discusses the dark realities of the entertainment industry, including financial mismanagement and the pressures faced by child actors, while highlighting his passion for acting and extensive philanthropic work.

• RJ Mitte lost millions due to a dishonest business manager, highlighting the financial dangers in Hollywood.

• The actor advocates for financial literacy and personal integrity to navigate the entertainment industry's pressures.

• Mitte remains committed to acting and extensive philanthropic work, raising millions for various non-profits.

RJ Mitte reveals that despite his success on 'Breaking Bad,' the entertainment industry exposed him to significant challenges, including the theft of millions by a business manager and the predatory nature surrounding young actors. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and personal integrity to navigate Hollywood's pitfalls. Mitte passionately advocates for direct impact philanthropy and continues to pursue acting roles that allow him creative freedom, seeking a well-written show akin to 'Breaking Bad' that avoids rushing the creative process.

Industry's Dark Side

• 00:00:11 The entertainment industry, while a dream come true, can also be very dark, with money and clout corrupting individuals who sacrifice their identity for financial gain. Mitte experienced this firsthand when he lost millions due to a trusted business manager, resulting in him paying more in taxes than he earned from 'Breaking Bad'.

Child Actor Pitfalls

• 00:01:10 Many child actors struggle later in life due to being easily influenced by the glitz and glamour, leading to issues like drug abuse when free substances are readily available. The industry often fails to protect young stars, who, once their fame fades, face a difficult transition from a lavish lifestyle to financial instability, with no one encouraging them to slow down or plan for the future.

Protection for Young Actors

• 00:05:30 Protecting child actors is challenging but requires parents to prioritize their children's needs over their own within the predatory entertainment industry. Instilling values and using past examples of downfall can guide them, as the industry often encourages sensationalism over well-being, focusing only on whether talent can perform their work.

Breaking Bad's Impact

• 00:16:06 Netflix significantly boosted 'Breaking Bad's' popularity and accessibility, transforming it from a show with low initial viewership to a global phenomenon. The series raised crucial awareness about methamphetamine abuse in communities, portraying the devastating consequences through Walter White's storyline, countering initial claims of glorifying drug use.

Show's Filming Challenges

• 00:18:47 'Breaking Bad' involved demanding filming schedules, including 16-hour days, sometimes six to seven days a week, often shooting on expensive 35-millimeter film. A significant challenge occurred when film reels being shipped to California for editing were run over by an airplane, necessitating costly reshoots to get back on schedule.

Financial Mismanagement

• 00:40:35 RJ Mitte emphasizes that 'Breaking Bad' did not make him a millionaire, as he paid more in taxes than he earned from the show, largely due to a corrupt business manager who siphoned off tens of millions of dollars. This individual targeted actors with disabilities and elderly performers, creating fake tax filings, leaving Mitte with years of debt and legal complexities, despite ongoing investigations.

Acting & Career Path

• 01:26:15 Sustaining a long career in acting requires consistency, punctuality, and strong relationships within the industry, with readiness meeting opportunity being a crucial factor for success. Post-'Breaking Bad,' Mitte found it challenging to shed his 'Walt Jr.' image, consciously selecting roles that highlight his acting range rather than trading on past fame.

Philanthropy & Future

• 01:41:11 Mitte is deeply involved in philanthropy, raising millions annually for organizations like Shriner's Hospitals for Children and United Cerebral Palsy, prioritizing direct community impact over monetary donations. He aims to build a stable investment portfolio to achieve financial independence and seeks well-written roles in shows that allow for character development, akin to the quality he experienced with 'Breaking Bad'.