Celebrities with Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome NDIS
Chris Burke
Chris Burke, a renowned actor and folk singer, gained fame for his portrayal of Charles “Corky” Thatcher in the TV series Life Goes On, a show that featured one of the first characters with Down syndrome on network TV. Despite being advised to place Chris in an institution as a child, his parents raised him at home, nurturing his natural abilities in music and acting. Chris continued to develop his talents through high school, attending night classes, writing scripts, reading about his favourite actors, and auditioning for various productions.
Chris’ breakthrough came in 1987 after his performance in the TV movie Desperate, which led ABC network executives to create the sitcom Life Goes On, with Chris in the lead role. The series followed the Thatcher family’s journey as they tried to integrate their eldest son into society, and Chris’ realistic portrayal of the character helped change how people view people with disabilities. Throughout his career, Chris has appeared in various TV shows and movies, such as ER, Touched by an Angel, and Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted. He remains an advocate for the National Down Syndrome Society and performs with his bandmates Joe and John DeMasi on tours across the US.
Madeline Stewart
In 2014, after accompanying her mother to a fashion show in Brisbane, Madeline Stuart decided to become a model. With her mother’s support, she lost 20kg in weight and attended her first photoshoot, which marked the beginning of her modelling career. The following year, her mother launched an online campaign to secure her a modelling contract, which resulted in Madeline being signed by fitness brand Manifesta and handbag brand everMaya.
Since then, Madeline has become the first professional model with Down syndrome, appearing in high-profile publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and Woman’s Day. She has also graced the runways of international events including New York Fashion Week, the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week China, and Runway Dubai. Madeline continues to use her platform to advocate for inclusiveness and diversity in the fashion industry.
Pablo Pineda
Pablo Pineda is a noteworthy figure who has accomplished a great deal despite having Down syndrome. He made history as the first person with Down syndrome to earn a major degree from a regular university in Spain, and he continued to pursue his academic interests by obtaining a diploma in teaching and a BA in Educational Psychology while working in Malaga. In addition to his academic pursuits, Pablo has also become a successful writer, teacher, and consultant for Fundacion Adecco, where he has contributed to the development of an integration programme to help people with disabilities.
Pablo’s achievements are not limited to his professional life. He also starred in the film Yo tambien (Me too) with the intention of empowering people with Down syndrome and raising awareness in society. Despite receiving the Silver Shell Award in 2009 for his performance, Pablo does not want to be seen as a symbol to slow down efforts to assist others with Down syndrome. Instead, he encourages people with the condition to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Pablo’s first book, “El Reto de Aprender” (The Challenge of Learning), was published in 2013, and he continues to inspire others with his accomplishments. Only time will tell what other amazing things Pablo will achieve in the future!
Lauren Potter
Actress Lauren Potter is best known for her role as Becky Jackson in the popular TV series Glee. In addition to Glee, she has acted in various other productions, including Veep, Switched at Birth, and the reality show Born This Way. Lauren also appeared in the short film Guest Room, which explores the theme of intimacy between disabled couples.
Lauren’s passion for acting and dance started at a young age. She made her debut in the film Mr. Blue Sky (2007) at age 16. Lauren’s work on Glee earned her a nomination for a SAG Award in the Ensemble in a Comedy Series category. In 2012, she received the SAG/AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the Media Access Awards.
Lauren remains a committed advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities. She has previously served on President Obama’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and continues to actively support this cause.
Jamie Brewer
Actress Jamie Brewer has gained recognition for her roles in several seasons of the hit TV show American Horror Story. She appeared in four seasons, namely Murder House, Coven, Freak Show, and Cult. In addition to her acting work, she is also known for being the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the red carpet at New York Fashion Week 2015, where she showcased the designs of Carrie Hammer.
From an early age, Jamie had a passion for the arts, particularly for movies and theater. She pursued this interest and appeared in public service announcements (PSAs) during her theater training. Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast in American Horror Story: Murder House as Addie Langdon. The producers had specifically sought a young lady with Down syndrome who could act. She has also acted in other productions, including Southland, Raymond & Lane, Switched at Birth, and the off-Broadway play Amy and the Orphans.
Aside from her acting career, Jamie is also a vocal advocate in the Down syndrome community. She is involved in various organizations, such as the National Down Syndrome Congress, American Association of People with Disabilities, Civitan International, and Down Syndrome in Arts&Media. She served on The Arc Governmental Affairs Committee for the State of Texas and spoke with senators at the Texas State Capitol to pass legislation that would eliminate the use of the word “retarded” and better acknowledge the needs of persons with disabilities within the state. As a result of these efforts, Texas now uses the term “Intellectual Development Disability” in its legislation.
Sarah Gordy
Actress Sarah Gordy was raised in both the UK and US, born to a British mother and American father. After attending college in East Sussex, she pursued acting, landing her first professional role as Jessica Bains in Peak Practice. However, Sarah’s mother and acting coach, Jane, has noted that Sarah doesn’t just act – she becomes emotionally invested in her characters, finding it difficult to feign emotion.
In 2010, Sarah was cast as Lady Pamela in the BBC One production of Upstairs Downstairs, a role that involved illustrating the 1930s attitudes towards disabilities through the story of Lady Pamela, the long-lost sister of the lead character. Lady Pamela’s character became a regular feature in the second series of the show, which aired in February 2012.
Aside from her acting career, Sarah is also a celebrity ambassador for Mencap, a charity that supports individuals with learning disabilities.
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