AATV

News Update archive

American Abilities News Update — Friday, October 16, 2026 · Special update

Watch this edition on YouTube ↗

Produced, written and edited by Richard J. McCollough. AI-generated narration; original graphics and labeled AI illustrations — not footage of the people or studies.

Special update · 60 seconds

American Abilities News Update

· Special update

Remembering RJ Mitte, the Breaking Bad actor and disability rights advocate who lived with cerebral palsy. Help is available: call or text 988.

  1. Disabilities

    Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte dies at 34

    Why it matters: Mitte brought his own experience of cerebral palsy to a major TV role and used his platform for disability awareness and inclusion. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Report sources
Read the transcript

This is your American Abilities News Update — hearing loss, disabilities and wellness. Sponsored by Weatherfield Farm. It's Friday, October 16th. Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte has died at 34. Mitte lived with cerebral palsy. He brought that experience to his role as Walter White Jr. in all five seasons of Breaking Bad. He then used his platform to push for disability inclusion in Hollywood. His representatives say he died by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Sources at AmericanAbilitiesTV.com/news-update.

Free weekly newsletter

The American Abilities Report

Every week: the week’s American Abilities News Updates, the research and hospital stories worth knowing, this Sunday’s show, a Sound Tip, a Personal Profile and awareness dates — hearing loss, disabilities and wellness, every story sourced.

I’m most interested in (optional)

We’ll only use your email for The American Abilities Report. Unsubscribe anytime.