Let the Credits Roll: 10 Accomplished Disabled Actors
In honor of the Academy Awards next month, I thought it would be fun to feature some accomplished disabled actors and actresses. These entertainers not only bring talent to their performances but also offer new perspectives on representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Their work and advocacy continue to pave the way for future generations, ensuring that disability is seen as a part of human diversity, deserving of visibility and respect.
Katie Leclerc—Katie's breakout role as Daphne Vasquez on Switched at Birth brought attention to her acting skills and her life with Ménière's disease, a disorder causing episodes of vertigo. Despite this, she has become a prominent actress and advocate, showcasing that challenges can coexist with significant achievements.
Chris Burke—Born with Down syndrome, Burke became widely known for his role as Charles "Corky" Thatcher in Life Goes On. His success on the show broke barriers for actors with disabilities and served as an example of commercially successful inclusive casting in Hollywood.
RJ Mitte—Similar to his character on Breaking Bad, RJ has cerebral palsy, though his is a milder form. He has used his platform to advocate for actors with disabilities and to speak out against bullying, proving his off-screen heroism matches his on-screen personas.
Daryl Mitchell—After a motorcycle accident in 2001 left him paralyzed from the waist down, Mitchell continued his acting career with roles in Galaxy Quest, NCIS: New Orleans, and more. He is proof that just because a person has to use a wheelchair, their career doesn’t have to end.
Christopher Reeve—Before his horse-riding accident that caused Reeve to become a quadriplegic, he was best known for his role as Superman. After his injury, he dedicated his life to advocacy for spinal cord research, becoming a real-life superhero. His legacy includes the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, committed to finding treatments for spinal cord injuries.
Marlee Matlin—Losing most of her hearing at 18 months didn't stop Matlin from pursuing a stellar acting career, culminating in an Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since appeared in numerous TV shows and films, using her platform to advocate for the deaf community. She most recently co-started in the Academy Award Winning Film CODA.
Sean Berdy—As a young, deaf actor, Berdy has been a prominent figure in bringing American Sign Language (ASL) to mainstream media, particularly through his role in Switched at Birth. His performances have won him several awards and nominations, highlighting the importance of representation.
Teal Sherer—An advocate for actors with disabilities, Sherer has not let her wheelchair hold back her career. Best known for her roles in The Guild and her web series My Gimpy Life, Sherer's work highlights the humor and challenges of life with a disability.
Lauren Potter—With her role on Glee, Potter became one of television's most visible actors with Down syndrome. Beyond acting, she's been a vocal advocate for disability rights, serving on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
Jade Calegory—Best known for his role in Mac and Me, Calegory, who uses a wheelchair due to spina bifida, made a significant impact with his performance. Although he didn't continue with a large acting career, his role remains a memorable part of 80s cinema culture.