Bullied For His Dwarfism, Quaden Bayles Is Now A Red Carpet Star

Sep 02, 2022

In February 2020, viewers around the world were deeply touched by the video of 9-year-old Quaden Bayles crying in his mom's car after being bullied at school. Quaden was born with Achondroplasia, which is a genetic condition that causes dwarfism.

In the video, Quaden's mother, Yarraka, revealed how she saw her son run "to the car in hysterics because he doesn’t want me to make a scene at the school.” She continued, explaining that she had just seen another student patting her son on the head and making fun of his height. Quaden was heard in the video voicing his suicidal thoughts through tears while his mom said, "I’ve got a son who is suicidal almost every single day. This is what bullying does, people."

Quaden's mom went on to explain how the bullying wasn't just school-related but happened almost every time they were out in public. According to an interview with Australian outlet SBS, Yarraka said that Quaden first attempted suicide as young as 6 years old, after the death of his grandfather. 

“I just want people to know and see the impact because this could be your child, or your child could be the bully that pushes a kid over the edge,” Yarraka said in the video while she choked up. “God forbid we lose another child to suicide because of the bullying.” 

Luckily, the heartbreaking video did strike a chord with some viewers. The video went viral and attracted the attention of Australian celebrities like Hugh Jackman, who offered words of support to the child. Comedian Brad Williams opened a GoFundMe account to raise money to send Quaden on a family trip to Disneyland. The fundraiser received a whopping $400,000.

The family ultimately announced that they would donate the funds to local charities where they felt the money was more needed. While Quaden didn't go to Disneyland, he was treated to rugby matches and other celebrity meet-ups. Meanwhile, Quaden and his mother continued to receive messages of support and kindness from strangers all over the world. 

Among Quaden's emerging fans was Australian filmmaker George Miller. Perhaps best known for his post-apocalyptic series, "Mad Max," Miller was struck by the boy's story. While other celebrities contributed to Quaden's GoFundMe, the director took it a step further and cast young Quaden in not one but two of his upcoming films. 

The first, "Three Thousand Years of Longing," stars Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton as a genie and scholar. The movie is based on the short story "The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye" by A. S. Byatt. The film received a standing ovation at Cannes when it premiered. Quaden landed a part as a background character, but his presence impressed Miller enough that he decided to again cast the boy in another of his upcoming films. 

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Miller said of his choice, "It was good for us and it was good for him." Quaden reportedly appears in an appropriately fantastical dress in the film. Miller then added, “And he did such a good job that he’s got a small role in Furiosa.”

Little is known about the "Mad Max" prequel, other than it stars Anya Taylor-Joy as well as the emerging star Quaden. Audiences will surely be watching for his big-screen debut. 

And while audiences may have to wait a bit longer to witness Quaden on the big screen, they were given a wonderful moment of seeing him in action on a red carpet at the premiere of Miller’s film “Three Thousand Years of Longing” on Aug. 28, 2022. According to SBS, it was the now-11-year-old’s first-ever appearance at a red-carpet event. The young star donned a dapper gray suit while posing for photographs.

While many fans may have gone to see the film to see stars like Elba and Swinton shine, fans of upcoming star Quaden were also fortunate enough to see him as an extra in some background scenes. And Quaden seemed to enjoy working on the film just as much as fans enjoyed watching him!

“I had lots of fun getting dressed in all different types of costumes,” he said. “I pulled out a sword, and my outfit and confetti blew up … it was really great.”

Quaden still has a lot more to look forward to, as he will also appear in Miller’s film “Furiosa,” with a release date set sometime in 2024. Being cast in the movie was a huge deal for Quaden and definitely brought him a lifetime of joy. He said:

“I can’t believe I’m in ‘Mad Max!’ My brother was the one that showed it (to me), it blew my mind. I was a bit scared, but I love it. I love the movie, and I love working with George Miller. It’s a really great job for me, because of what I have been through. I really love acting,”

Miller is just as excited to see Quaden even more in action. “I think he’s going to have an interesting career,” he said. “He’s very skilled, he’s very film savvy.”

Are you looking forward to seeing Quaden Bayles on the big screen? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family and "Mad Max" fans!

If you or anybody you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit befrienders.org to find your local suicide prevention hotline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.