Hollywood’s doors opening for actors with disabilities
April 5th, 2008
From the Los Angeles Times:
A growing number of people with developmental disabilities are finding work on television and in the movies.
It’s still a rough road for the 10% of Screen Actors Guild members who have a disability. But for talent agents such as Carmel Wynne, who places actors with developmental disabilities, this client pool is becoming an easier sell.
“Why shouldn’t more people be able to turn on the TV and see people who look like them?” says Media Access Office volunteer Gail Williamson of North Hills, Blair Williamson’s mother.
Gail’s son Blair (above), an actor with Down syndrome, has been in clothing commercials for Macy’s, was once murdered in a “CSI” episode and had a nose job on a “Nip/Tuck” episode.
“I love being an actor,” he says. “It makes me feel good inside me.”
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