As you know by now, I’m all about full inclusion for EVERYTHING, especially when it comes to people with disabilities.
One area that seems to be getting better in welcoming my peeps is Hollywood. I’m happy to say, I have seen more movies and television shows featuring actors and actresses with disabilities. This is a great turnaround. In the past, actors and actresses that didn’t have disabilities were getting cast to play characters that had one. This is not cool, because there are many capable actors and actresses with disabilities who were being overlooked.
The movie, The Quiet Place, had me stuck in a good way a few years ago. I was hyped when I heard part two was coming out. Imagine my surprise of learning that part two featured actress Millicent Simmonds who’s hearing impaired and uses American Sign Language. Spoiler alert, part two is awesome and Simmonds’s character saved the day in the movie by using her adaptive equipment. If you haven’t watched it, put it on your “to watch” list.
Many were glued to the television to watch, Game of Thrones, before it came to an end three years ago. One of the reasons the series was such a great success was due to actor Peter Dinklage. He played the character, Tyrion Lannister. Dinklage was born with a form of dwarfism. Dinklage not only made a name for himself but helped open doors to others with dwarfism.
Daryl Mitchell is one actor that I’ve been a fan of even before he developed his disability. To this day, I love watching him in movies, House Party and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. I’m happy his career didn’t come to an end after an accident which left him paralyzed. His acting still comes shining through and you can catch him yourself in series, Fear of the Walking Dead and NCIS: New Orleans.
Are you in need to watch a thriller type movie with an amazing actress? Check out break-out actress Kiera Allen in the movie, Run. Allen, who uses a wheelchair for mobility purposes, chooses not to disclose her disability to the world. This is quite ok because it’s up to the person whether he or she wants to disclose or not. Perhaps, she just wants to showcase her acting capabilities instead of being prejudged on the nature of her disability. Run and see this movie because it’s good!
Hollywood is a place where stories about all people from all walks of life are made. In-order to bring full inclusion, you must have actors and actresses on the big screen. It’s only right. Plus, it brings awareness about the people who have disabilities and shows off all our capabilities, which is also being a great actor/actress.
As the holidays set in, take some time and check out some of the movies and series featuring actors and actresses that I suggested. Also, google others for there’re many that you’re missing out on that are truly a must see.
Great blog article, love reading your blogs