When it comes to the big screen and the red carpet, the disability community continues to rank as the most underrepresented in Hollywood. I admit that it is exciting times to see more individuals with disabilities play leading roles on television or in the movies, but it’s still not enough. Many in the disability community are now questioning Hollywood why roles with specific disabilities are not played by individuals with those same disabilities. In the United States, 1 in 8 people have a disability, that makes up for about 40 million people in the united states living with a disability. That’s a pretty large population for Hollywood to consider when it comes to disability representation.
With over 200 network channels of featured series, movies, talk shows, and more for us to choose from, it seems there should be an increase in diverse representation across the air waves, particularly with the disability community. Although over the past decade, there has been an incline of featured stories with a special needs connection, TV viewers are interested in seeing more.
Here are some of the more notable shows that leave us wanting more:
Here are some of the more notable shows that leave us wanting more:
Television Shows Featuring an Actor with a Disability
Facts of Life – I know this isn’t current, but who can forget the funny and charming Geri Jewell, a comedian with cerebral palsy who had a recurring role on the show. She was the first actress with a visible disability to play a character with the same disability. Geri should be mentioned because she pretty much pioneered as a woman with a disability to grace our prime-time screens as one of the wittiest characters on the popular show! I loved when she starred on the show as a kid. I didn’t really know what her disability was, but all I remembered was how hilarious she was as one of few people to put Blaire in her place!
Game of Thrones – I admit I am an avid fan of the show and my favorite character is Tyrion Lannister, played by the talented Peter Dinklage (and his Emmy winning performances!). I fell in love with his character from the first episode and why not? He’s quick witted, incredibly intelligent (more so than many around him), he’s strategic and he is the ultimate survivor, as he would have to be for having been born with dwarfism during such barbaric times. Game of Thrones is a story of Kings and Queens, Dragons, Sword Play, the Undead, and the inevitable winter that’s coming! The combination of Dinklage’s acting and character is so fascinating, you forget about his short stature because you’re more focused on how he’s going to escape his seemingly consistent endangering predicament. He keeps you rooting for him and begging for more of his slick one liners and phrases. And if you’re like me, you can’t wait to find the right time to use them in one of your own battle of the wits!
Breaking Bad – This is another one of my favorite shows, I still watch it from time to time. Bryan Cranston plays a straight-line walking chemistry teacher who broke bad as a novice methamphetamine drug dealer who works his way up to being one of the leading drug lords ever known. Walter White does all he can do for his family, and after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, he wants to leave his wife and son “Flynn” who has cerebral palsy (played by RJ Mitte who also has cerebral palsy) enough money to be financially secure. This series takes you through Walter White’s transformation from a “do gooder” guy to one of the most dangerous criminal minds of all time. His love for his family is steadfast and unwavering. RJ Mitte is incredibly fun to watch. He reminds me of the "classic hollywood" actors like Bogart or Grant with their amazing ability to tell a story with just their facial expressions and body language. Plus - RJ is a gorgeous young man! He has the hollywood look! This is a show you will definitely enjoy!
American Horror Story – Truthfully, I got hooked on this show by accident. I was on this horror flick kick for a while and caught an episode. The cast is absolutely alluring with big hitters like Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Lady Gaga, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr., and many others. It also stars the lovely Jamie Brewer who has Down Syndrome and stars in five of the eight seasons as a person with Down Syndrome. She is incredibly talented as she demonstrates her range as an actress playing different roles in each season.
Speechless – Our entire family absolutely loves this show. It’s so relatable to many of us who not only have special needs kids and have attended IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings. Although we want our kids to be as independent as possible, we struggle with letting them go out into the world where we can’t protect them. Minnie Driver plays Maya DiMeo – a mom who will do anything for her husband and three children. As mama bear, her focus is on advocating for her son JJ played by Micah Fowler who has cerebral palsy (just like his character). JJ uses sophisticated technology to communicate and has a school aid. The show has won its way into our hearts and homes with its cleverly crafted scripts, story lines and fabulous cast! Micah Fowler is incredibly funny and reveals just how versatile he can be as an actor who has great comedic timing and range with dramatic scenes. Catch my review on the show here!
The Middle – After nine seasons of The Heck Family’s use of laughter to get passed troubling times raising a family can bring, the show leaves us with the joy of watching them all over again on demand! We loved how this dynamic parent duo, Mike and Frankie (played by Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton) raised their three kids - Axl, Sue and Brick. We fell in love with all cast members, but we particularly loved Brick and his quirky ticks. Although it was never revealed that he had a disability on the show, actor Atticus Schaefer, who plays Brick has the condition, “Osteogenesis Imperfecta.” Atticus did a brilliant job taking us through his characters transformation from childhood into adolescence and all the tough experiences that come along with growing pains.
The success of these shows and others that feature actors with disabilities confirms they’ve earned their place in Hollywood’s spotlight and we can’t get enough of them. Of these shows, which is your favorite? Please share your favorite show featuring an actor with a disability!
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