Quaden Bayles Was Bullied For His Dwarfism But Will Now Star In 'Mad Max' Film

Aug 25, 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 how she's 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 isn't just school-related but happens almost every time that they are 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 choking 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 genie and scholar. The movie is based off of 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's 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. 

Are you looking forward to the release of "Furiosa?" 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.