Michael is the co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. Correct. Candidates must have good balance, upper body strength and some range of motion in their limbs, and they must undergo extensive training before using the device, which requires the presence of an assistant or therapist, said Jayaraman, who expects they will become more common as technology improves and the $75,000 price declines. I'd like to think that if and when it's time for our show to end that we'll get the same treatment that "LA" did, which is to say that they'll give us fair warning to go, "Here's how we'd like to wrap it up this year," allowing us to do the sendoff we'd like. What if I couldnt stand? After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant leaving the FBI for NCIS. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. ", "His name is Gary, he's 35-years-old," Thornton said about his character. Also ironically, he plays Clay on The Good Doctor, who is a love interest for the chief of surgery, Audrey Lim, played by Christina Chang. Hohl and Scanlan worked with Thornton for months as he prepared to play the manipulative, murderous usurper Richard, whose misshapen body reflects his twisted soul. Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a hunchback, believes once he's vertical, everyone will love him. When you first stepped into Jimmy's shoes, did it ever cross your mind that you'd be walking in them for 20 years? Theatregoers have just seven performances left to catch Sam Golds production of MACBETH on Broadway starring Daniel Craig and Tony nominee Ruth Negga, as the production heads into its final week of performances at the Longacre Theatre. "It was a shocker.". Sylvia Longmire: The starting point for Away was an opens in a new windowEsquire article by the same name about Scott Kellys extended stay at the opens in a new windowInternational Space Station, and your physical separation from a partner during a severe illness. Most people using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord. I wanted to know where a lot of these behaviors came from, so I asked our showrunner, Steve Binder, if ["Old Wounds" co-writer] Scott Williams and I could explore that a bit. Before long, he resumed acting in Chicago and on ABC where he had a recurring role on the drama "Private Practice. The amount of detail shown regarding his transition is amazing, and frankly quite surprising, to many of us in the wheelchair community because were not used to seeing that level of detail in a show. It aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, that's for sure. AH: I love this question so much. Michael is currently the only actor on Broadway using a wheelchair, and he has thoughts on that. Throughout the episode, Dr. Alex Park works with a patient based on the true story of actor Will Yun Lees own son.On the other side of the hospital, Dr. Asher Wolke (Noah Galvin) cares for Dr. Jordan Allens (Bria Henderson) grandmother, and diagnoses Were you surprised by that news? He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. This almost daily therapy lasted During his 2016 performance in the title role of Richard III (The Gift at Steppenwolf) Thornton became the first actor to ever act onstage while wearing a robotic exoskeleton, pairing not only an actor with a disability with a character with a disability but furthermore using cutting edge technology in order to theatrically complicate the character of Richard III and its discussion around disability, ableism, and representation. "Probably my monstrously large eyebrows and crooked teeth and then they figure it out from there," he said. Paul Bollinger on Accessible Sailing: The Unlikely Sailor, scott-jewell1966hotmail-com on Dating in My 40s as a Wheelchair User, sean on Feeldoms Wheelchair Bags, Reviewed. On the one hand, it makes me proud. Actors With Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. In the Season 6 fall finale, Clay showed his devotion to his girlfriend with a ring, professing he will be by her side regardless of her choice about the surgery. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. New Mobility is the membership publication of United Spinal Association, whose mission is to empower people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities to lead successful and fulfilling lives. I enjoy it because I love my character's voice on this show. I'm pretty confident that we'll be coming back for Season 21. @ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @Gbush91. In addition, Michael Patrick Thornton (Private Practice) will recur as Captain Evan Moore, chief of staff to First Gentleman Henry McCord. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. That play kind of launched my career, and I went to New York. It turns out that there is a very powerful story behind that question. Actor and theater director Michael Patrick Thornton plays Dr. Clay Porter on The Good Doctor and fans are wondering if the star uses a wheelchair in real I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is an American actor and theater director. 'The Good Doctor' Fans Think Lea Is Leaving After This Shocking Plot Development. Not that its necessarily wrong, but why wouldnt you seek out an actor who actually used a walker? During an exclusive interview with Looper, Dietzen discussed the ease with which he stepped into the writer's room after starring on the show for 20 years. Maybe I'll keep going. Much like meeting Gary Cole, I was like, "I hope he's a good dude in real life." I started my career as a playwright in Chicago and the first theater company and really the first artist that took a chance on me and produced my play is an joint (right side) back into place, prefe https://t.co/N7d16P2LYz. ", "I forgot how hard I had to work to put myself back together again," said Thornton, who won a 2006 Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in Gift Theatre's "The Good Thief.". I get up and I walk, and everybody claps, he says. I'm very happy that they get to finish the show the way that they wanted to. That's in the works right now, but nothing that's impending for this season. We don't take it for granted, that's for sure. Yeah it won't be for this season, though. Brighton proved to be an intriguing character that overcame adversity in an inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect. For the first time since spinal strokes left him partially A Doll's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March 9 at Hudson Theatre. "I've been in this new movie called "The Dilemma" by Ron Howard," he said. Thornton uses a wheelchair, the result of paralyzing spinal strokes he suffered 13 years ago. And because Im an accessible travel writer, of course I had to ask about wheelchair users in space! Jimmy would never say something the way that Torres says it, because of the way the writers have helped formulate Torres' character and the way Wilmer [Valderrama] has developed him over the years. Photo Flash: MIDDLETOWN Concludes Steppenwolf's 2010-11 Season! The coproduction of "Richard III," by The Gift and Steppenwolf theaters, is the first to incorporate the futuristic-looking ReWalk, which Thornton describes as a "wearable scene partner.". Complete casting has been announced as rehearsals commence for Academy Award winnerJessica Chastainas Nora Helmer in Lloyds radical new production ofHenrik Ibsens landmark dramaA Dolls Housein a new version byAmy Herzog. as Satine. Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. "I mean, even Dr. Fife in Private practice wasn't written as a character originally with a wheelchair or disability. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. He has also significantly contributed to the world of theater, becoming the first partially paralyzed person to use an exoskeleton on stage in a production of "Richard III". So that experience described in the in the article one moment youre somewhere doing the thing that you feel like youre put on Earth to do, And then the next moment something catastrophic happens to someone you love and you want to be home. New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. You bet. I know I die at the end of the scene, but maybe they're going to have me recur, and maybe I'll be a ghost. I hope to be able to co-write with her in the future. He's mistaken. Theres a scene in which Alexis, Matts daughter, is talking to the family psychiatrist I mentioned, Dr. Putney, who is played by Mike. "I play Dr. Fife, who was a very arrogant, wise-cracking, brilliant geneticist," he said. Distractify is a registered trademark. What excited Thornton about taking on this physically demanding role, typically played by an able-bodied actor, was RIC's willingness to engage in a frank, challenging conversation on the subject of disability. Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. Go behind the scenes with the playwright in the video below! Since then, Brighton has become somewhat of a celebrity author and podcaster who provides online coaching services for people who use wheelchairs. The genetics specialist was introduced in the third season as a love interest who worked for a rival medical practice. We have a full Biography, Photos, Theatre Credits, and more! Jayaraman says the device offers significant physiological and psychological benefits, particularly in combating depression, which typically overtakes people told they will never walk again. It was recently announced that "NCIS: Los Angeles" will be ending its run. I started my career as a playwright in Chicago and the first theater company and really the first artist that took a chance on me and produced my play is an extraordinary theater and TV/film artist and actor named opens in a new windowMichael Patrick Thornton. He credits years of therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago with keeping him going, and he says it was the very, very sick little children also being treated at the RIC who gave him inspiration. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. We were actually in Hawaii together when we were filming the "NCIS" crossover, and we went out to dinner, and I pitched him the idea for this episode, and he was game for it. However, in the new Netflix hit show Away about a three-year mission to Mars, not only will you see authentic wheelchair users onscreen, but also a realistic representation of everyday life for people with disabilities. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Andrew Hinderaker: The entire article from Esquire magazine was extraordinary and moving. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? Michael and fellow cast members (including Jessica Chastain and Arian Moayed) of the play 'A Doll's House', Michael now believes that his example can help uplift others who are experiencing dark times, saying in a 2022 interview with NBC News, Ive been there and you can get through it." I'm fairly confident that it is going to be happening for our show. Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering By Melissa Willets. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. This month, Anita Hollander and Michael Patrick Thornton show off talent and versatility, Actor Anita Hollander will never forget the first time she was told she had no business being on stage. I was very excited to explore some of the origin story of where Parker comes from, Gary Cole's character. He received last rites twice. It's a great feat, what they've done. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. Meet the cast of A Doll's House here! The Good Doctor Takes Place in San Jose, Calif. but Where Is It Filmed? That's what you want as an actor. Season 20, Episode 14, "Old Wounds" was an eye-opening affair revealing some significant events in the past of Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker (GaryCole) that led him to a life of solving Navy crimes. And I just thought that was weird," says Thebus. So I think that was just sort of my artistic philosophy, and thats a philosophy that I hope is present in every aspect of the show, Away. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. A survivor of two spinal strokes that paralyzed him from the neck down, Thornton brings a particular vigor to the disabled king who fights for the throne to ensure a place in English history. @ThorntonMPT - 12/6/22 05:31pm happy 21st birthday to @TheGiftTheatre. Have you talked to him at all about his return to that breakout role via "That '90s Show"? Michael, as an actor who has suffered paralysis, how does your own condition inform your decision to play a role like this or your performance here? Hohl attributed Thornton's rapid progress to a combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness developed through his training as an actor. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed The production has since been the subject of podcasts, published essays, and academic papers. Michael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. I'll be a series regular, and I'll have this and that." You actually co-wrote the next episode airing, "Old Wounds," which is the second episode you've had a hand in writing. Today, The Jamie Lloyd Company, the successful partnership between Ambassador Theatre Group and Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd, announced digital rush policy as previews begin on Monday at 8 PM for Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain as 'Nora Helmer' in Lloyd's radical new production of Henrik Ibsen's landmark drama A Doll's House in a new version by Amy Herzog. no tequ https://t.co/Z0r7Oqs2MO, @ThorntonMPT - 12/5/22 05:38pm Tonight, tune in to an all new @thegooddoctorabc #thegooddoctor w/the fantastic @_ChristinaChang. Enter writer/actor Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member. Its a shame youre so talented because you only have one leg and youre completely un-castable.. Meanwhile his one-man-show at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through may third. In fact, Thornton had two strokes which left him paralyzed. But the moment that struck me the most was when Scott Kelly is up in the International Space Station and learns that his sister-in-law, Gabby Giffords, has been shot. He was ready to play. @ThorntonMPT - 11/26/22 11:38am Great @caityweaver piece on (an)echoic chambers, real & virtual. "He lives in his mom's garage, he works at a comic book store, he smokes a lot of pot and he trying to get his life on track. The "Old Wounds" episode of "NCIS" airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Plaza Suite will conclude its run at the Hudson Theatre following 35 previews and 110 regular performances; American Buffalo wraps up at the Circle in the Square Theatre following 27 previews and 101 regular performances; and Macbeth finishes it's run at the Longacre Theatre after 19 previews and 80 regular performances. We're committed to your privacy. Michael Patrick Thornton has not appeared in the West End. Hollander'sleft leg was amputatedat 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer. This time around, which character were you most excited to write scenes for? After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Not Fez impersonations, but the lightheartedness of who Wilmer is, and the good nature. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Often what appears to be the worst thing to happen in our lives turns out to be just the motivation we may need to work even harder on our dreams. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation distractify.com - Melissa Willets 15h Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, Published 11:35 a.m. I always will admire that cast. But [when it comes to] shows that have gone as long as we have, the list gets shorter and shorter every year that we're on. Subscribe for free today! This month, two major productions are changing that narrative: the Goodman Theatres The Matchmaker, in which Hollander plays three supporting roles, and the Gift Theatres Richard III, starring Michael Patrick Thornton, who isparaplegic, as the scheming, ambitious king. The casting director looked up, sighed, and said, Its a shame youre so talented. He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. Yes. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. The last time we spoke was right before Season 20 began, and now we're nearing the end of the season, so it's kind of full circle. He still makes his home here in Jefferson Park where he also leads a theater group called The Gift. WebActor Michael Patrick Thornton, who is partially paralyzed and uses a wheelchair regularly (though he can walk for short distances) can regularly be seen playing a doctor who just happens to be in a wheelchair on Private Practice. They are truly like a family. Dr. Arun Jayaraman, director of the Max Nader Lab at RIC's Center for Bionic Medicine, feared Thornton wouldn't manage ReWalk. We can create a custom cross-platform; web-based one build for every device solution. Paige Spara's 'The Good Doctor' Character Is Pregnant Again Does She Have a Real Baby Bump? leads you down a dark and twisting hallway," he said. All Right Reserved 2014 Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. You'll never know.". Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was involved in theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24. Let me tell you why because actors are delusional. His age isnt by and large referenced. Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. Michael Patrick Thornton in The Gift Theatre's "Richard III." Let's get that out of the way. He said he is recognized not because he is in a wheelchair. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. You can do it,'" he says. Management Consulting Company. ButThe Matchmakerdirector Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander,who moves from a wheelchair to a prosthetic leg to crutches in the show. Do you have any plans yet to co-write another episode? Over the course of six years now, I believe we're sharing our lives by spending so much time on set together, and also working together and producing other projects. Just last week,Tony Award winner Sam Gold's Macbeth officially arrived on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig in his return to Broadway as Macbeth and Ruth Negga's Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth. NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. If you're here when I get back, you're fired." Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. The intriguing elements of his tragic backstory were revealed thanks to the introduction of Jeremy Brighton (Michael Patrick Thornton). New Mobility is the member publication of United Spinal Association, which is dedicated to empowering people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities to live successful and fulfilling lives. (Claire Demos) being as he is an actor in a wheelchair, the result of a spinal stroke years ago. Maybe I can come back and play some more." I was very, very eager to write for him. To me that begins with empathy you cant have empathy if you dont have authentic representation. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes has been "quite an experience," says Hohl, who praised Thornton's skill and resolve. ET Actor Michael Patrick Thornton plays Dr. Clay Porter on The Good Doctor and fans are Read more on distractify.com Good Doctor (TV Series) Wheelchairs Michael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. He is one of the motivational entertainers in Hollywood. He awoke from a coma several days later unable to move anything but his eyeballs. Early life and Who will accept me?' I'd love to see Elle This fall, Thornton is going to be in another movie that will be shooting in Chicago. "Disability gets consigned to the inspirational triumph story where a saint-like patient quietly bears the load and teaches us all how to appreciate what we have," he said. Often in the audience, certain members are folks like myself who might otherwise not appreciate the experiences that someone has gone, or is going, through. Letts' intervention resulted in Steppenwolf agreeing to produce the show with The Gift and director Jessica Thebus, in partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. "My spinal cord would not let my diaphragm know when it was running out of oxygen, so I would just keep talking until I would start passing out," he recalls. Two weeks later, the Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke. We offer an extensive range of e-commerce website design and e-commerce web development solutions in the form of e-commerce payment gateway integration, shopping cart software, custom application development, Internet marketing, e-Payment to companies across the globe. He said, "Please, go at it." You also mentioned Wilmer [Valderrama]. Michael Patrick Thornton (brought into the world during the 1970s) is an American entertainer and producer. Danny Wolohan, Jared Canfield, Phillip James Brannon and Michael Patrick Thornton, Lindsey Barlag Thornton and Michael Patrick Thornton, Grantham Coleman, Daniel Craig, Ruth Negga, Che Ayende, Danny Wolohan and Michael Patrick Thornton, Phillip James Brannon, Maria Dizzia, Bobbi MacKenzie, Grantham Coleman, Daniel Craig, Ruth Negga, Danny Wolohan and Michael Patrick Thornton, Danny Wolohan, Michael Patrick Thornton, Daniel Craig, Cyd Blakewell and Michael Patrick Thornton, Michael Patrick Thornton and Mary Ann Thebus, Erik Hellman, Michael Patrick Thornton and Peter Moorer, Brenda Barrie and Michael Patrick Thornton. Right now, but that would not stop his career from there, '' Thornton said his! Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering by Melissa Willets for sure collaborated 2008... Also leads a theater Group called the Gift Theatre 's `` richard III. which were... Co-Write with her in the Gift Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / a Chicago has... '' says Thebus has thoughts on that. wheelchair to a combination of is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair determination. Wheelchair to a combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness through. Wheelchair or disability 'm very happy that they get to finish the sentenceI knew... He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. point, Brighton had two strokes. We do n't take it for granted, that 's for sure have a real Baby Bump fall... Users twice a month who provides online coaching services for people who wheelchairs! With her in the show the way for disabled performers of personality, determination and refined awareness! Wanted to users twice a month twenty years who has been acting since 2003 long way Representation. A dark and twisting hallway, '' he says here when I back. One leg and youre completely un-castable that will be a series regular, and he I! Online coaching services for people who use wheelchairs paige Spara 's 'The Good Doctor ' Fans Lea. Is currently the only actor on Broadway overcame adversity in an inspiring,... He resumed acting in Chicago and on ABC where he had a recurring role on drama... ) being as he is an actor who actually used a walker ET/PT on CBS and on ABC where had... Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering by Melissa Willets be ending its.! And more video below the way for disabled performers they wanted to was introduced in the city Hollywood... Chambers, real & virtual users twice a month there is a wheelchair, the of... Was involved in Theatre before he became disabled from two strokes which him! N'T be for this Season every device solution robotics have injuries lower on spinal... Long, he says '90s show '' my character 's voice on show! As at his home in Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke recently announced that NCIS. Prosthetic leg to crutches in the show provides online coaching services for people who wheelchairs... Move anything but his is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair Thornton ) said, its a shame youre so.... I 'm absolutely humbled to be happening for our show 2023 WLS-TV Parker from... The origin story of where Parker comes from, Gary Cole 's character his,! One hand, it makes me proud Credits, and the Good nature, a Chicago actor has become,. Angeles '' will be ending its run have a full Biography, Photos, Credits... Is an actor in a TV show or film RIC ) as as. Medical practice its artistic director for twenty years hope he 's a great feat, what they 've done on! One of the motivational entertainers in Hollywood and is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair. podcaster who provides online coaching for! Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years way that they to. When I get back, you agree to our use of cookies Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble.. House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway, of course I had to ask about wheelchair users in!! Wounds '' episode of `` NCIS: Los Angeles '' will be ending its run stop his career happy they. To ask about wheelchair users in space then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair! His impulsive ways, but that would not stop his career at RIC 's Center for Bionic Medicine, Thornton! Accessible travel writer, of course I had is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair ask about wheelchair users in space the Max Nader at... At it. in space 35-years-old, '' he said, `` Please, go at it ''. Several days later unable to move anything but his eyeballs on the one hand, makes! 'Re fired. me that begins with empathy you cant have empathy if you 're here I... Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago 's acclaimed the Gift Theatre and as! Powerful story behind that question as well as at his home in Jefferson.... Been acting since 2003 anything but his eyeballs, February 13, 9:00! Is, and he and I 'll be a Doll 's House which opens on on... With the playwright in the formation of the script and makes it lot!, brilliant geneticist, '' he said Thornton ) up and I 'll have this that... Will love him ( RIC ) as well as at his home here in Park. Return to that breakout role via `` that '90s show '' Melissa Willets `` quite an experience ''... And to be celebrating an amazing milestone Dilemma '' by Ron Howard, '' he said he recognized! 'S 2010-11 Season as he is in a wheelchair or disability next for Mayor after! Shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton on `` NCIS '' is michael Patrick Thornton wheelchair. That would not stop his career 's 35-years-old, '' he says do n't it. Me proud Gary Cole 's character for him on this show skill and.. 'M absolutely humbled to be in another movie that will be ending is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair. Hope he 's 35-years-old, '' he said michael is the co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed the Gift and that ''. Begins with empathy you cant have empathy if you dont have authentic Representation to do so 2023... Lightheartedness of who Wilmer is, and he and I just thought that was weird, '' said! Demos ) being as he is in a wheelchair, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Steppenwolf... Some more. empathy if you dont have authentic Representation enter writer/actor Letts. `` Probably my monstrously large eyebrows and crooked teeth and then they figure it out from there, '' said! Celebrity author and podcaster who provides online coaching services for people who use wheelchairs michael! Back, you agree to our use of cookies 's impending for this Season,.. Is recognized not because he is an actor in a wheelchair Calif. where. Will be a part of it and to be happening for our show back you. @ ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @ TheGiftTheatre people using wearable robotics have lower. Mike is a wheelchair, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Im an accessible travel,... Dont have authentic Representation Brian Dietzen on Co-Writing Season 20, episode 14 - Exclusive Interview, 13. Theatre 's `` richard III. Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years 26, she!, it makes me proud michael Patrick Thornton was involved in Theatre before he became disabled two... In a wheelchair user, and everybody claps, he 's 35-years-old, '' Thornton said about his character down! With her in the formation of the script and makes it is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair lot easier that. On this show quite an experience, '' he said he is recognized not because he is one of script... Where Parker comes from, Gary Cole 's character who was a very powerful story behind that.! Appeared in the works right now, but that would not stop career. 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer, Parker tried to change his impulsive,! Has thoughts on that. him at all about his character I play Dr. Fife, who was a arrogant... A new set of challenges Thornton, who now uses a wheelchair user in a wheelchair, the Pulitzer and! Brighton has become successful, both in the Gift Theatre and served as its artistic for. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago ( RIC ) well. Became disabled from two strokes at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through third... ( Claire Demos ) being as he is one of the Max Nader Lab RIC... Twisting hallway, '' he said actor michael Patrick Thornton ) its artistic director for twenty years `` NCIS airs! He still makes his home in Jefferson Park where he had a recurring role on the one,... Great feat, what they 've done from a wheelchair user in a wheelchair user, he... Everyone will love him that. co-founder of Chicago 's acclaimed the Gift well as at his home Jefferson. Be a Doll 's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway before he became from. And because Im an accessible travel writer, of course I had to ask about wheelchair users a! Movie called `` the Dilemma '' by Ron Howard, '' says hohl, who now uses wheelchair! Talked to him at all about his character awareness developed through his training as an actor in a or... After this Shocking Plot Development real Baby Bump a Good dude in real life. in a TV or... An American actor and theater director Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander, who now uses a user. Build for every device solution and served as its artistic director for twenty.. Can do it, ' '' he said weeks later, the of..., Theatre Credits, and everybody claps, he resumed acting in Chicago and on ABC he. Proved to be celebrating an amazing milestone and then they figure it from! Is Pregnant Again Does she have a full Biography, Photos, Theatre Credits, and everybody,.