Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that impact a person’s movement, balance, and posture. It’s caused by atypical brain development or damage to the developing brain, which affects muscle control.
Despite these challenges, many individuals with CP have achieved remarkable success in various fields. This article celebrates these cerebral palsy famous people and their accomplishments while raising awareness about CP and the challenges those with CP often face.
These successful individuals have overcome discrimination and other obstacles, and many are now using their experiences to advocate for others and promote understanding.
Actors and entertainers breaking barriers
Cerebral palsy can present challenges, but it certainly doesn’t keep people from pursuing their dreams. Here are just a few of the actors and entertainers who are living full and creative lives while navigating the challenges of CP.
RJ Mitte: From “Breaking Bad” to advocacy
RJ Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3. He became a household name for his work on “Breaking Bad,” which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award. Since then, he’s become an outspoken advocate for people living with disabilities.
He’s modeled for Gap and Vivienne Westwood and has said,
“People with disabilities can grow up thinking they have a weakness because they are told: ‘You will never do this properly, you will never walk properly or talk properly.’ That’s all they hear. But you have to look past that.”
Other notable actors and comedians
- Geri Jewell: Jewell was a groundbreaking actress on “The Facts of Life.”
- Francesca Martinez: Martinez has appeared on “Extras” and won the Daily Telegraph’s Open Mic Award. She’s also published a book and will star in a play.
- Rosie Jones: Jones has presented shows on Channel 4 about accessibility. She also wrote a children’s book about cerebral palsy.
- Tim Renkow: Renkow stars in “Jerk” on BBC and has said, “If someone like me is your hero, then you’ve really made mistakes.”
Athletes overcoming physical challenges
Some people with cerebral palsy have not only thrived, but have also achieved incredible feats of athleticism. Here are a few examples:
Justin Gallegos: Running toward success
Justin Gallegos is a marathon runner with cerebral palsy. In 2018, he became the first runner with CP to sign an endorsement deal with Nike.
Nicolas Hamilton: Racing against the odds
Nicolas Hamilton is a British Touring Car Championship driver who has overcome a number of challenges to compete in the sport. He has said:
It’s been very difficult. But, you know, if it wasn’t for my condition I wouldn’t be here today. It’s made me who I am and I’m proud of it.
Sophia Warner: Paralympian and advocate
Sophia Warner is a British Paralympian, as well as the Commercial Director of UK Athletics and an ambassador for The Children’s Trust.
Bonner Paddock: Conquering mountains and triathlons
Bonner Paddock has completed some incredible physical feats, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and completing the Ironman Triathlon. He raised $250,000 for a CP charity after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and $700,000 for CP charities after completing the Ironman Triathlon.
Authors and artists sharing their stories
For some people with cerebral palsy, writing and art provide an outlet for creativity, advocacy, and self-expression.
Christy Brown: The power of words and art
Irish author, poet, and painter Christy Brown was born with cerebral palsy and wrote extensively about his experiences. His autobiography was made into the film “My Left Foot,” which garnered numerous awards and nominations.
Jhamak Ghimire: Writing a path to success
Nepali author Jhamak Ghimire also has cerebral palsy. She wrote a best-selling memoir and has become an inspiration in a region where resources for people with disabilities are scarce.
Dan Keplinger: Turning challenges into art and inspiration
Artist and motivational speaker Dan Keplinger uses his art to inspire others to persevere, despite their challenges.
As Keplinger has said:
“Many of us are likely to get discouraged during difficult times in our lives. In my work, I hope to show everybody that they have the ability to persevere.”
He also believes that:
“This is about taking control of the situation and making it work for you. I look at my disability as a part of my personality. So, I fully embrace it for the good and the bad. You need to turn the bad around, so it makes you better as a person.”
Advocates and influencers making a difference
While some celebrities with cerebral palsy are known for their artistic achievements, others advocate for people with disabilities or work to broaden our understanding of what it means to live with CP. Here are a few of the many people working to make a difference:
- Maysoon Zayid: This actress, comedian, and advocate has given a TED Talk that’s been viewed more than eleven million times.
- Abbey Curran: Curran redefined beauty standards when she won Miss Iowa in 2008. She was the first Miss USA contestant with a disability. Curran has said, “This pageant is based on my life. My hope is to give these beautiful ladies fire and determination. If they run towards their dreams they will get there — all they need is someone to push them, someone who believes in them, and someone to say ‘you can do it.’”
- Keah Brown: As an author and journalist, Brown writes extensively about the experience of living with cerebral palsy.
- Tegan Vincent-Cooke: Vincent-Cooke uses art to raise awareness and explain cerebral palsy in ways that are easy for everyone to understand. Among other things, Vincent-Cooke created a cartoon to explain CP.
Wrapping Up
It’s important to remember that people living with cerebral palsy can achieve incredible things. As we’ve seen, people with CP succeed in many different fields, from acting to art to writing to advocacy.
By challenging misconceptions and building a more inclusive society, we can make it easier for people with cerebral palsy to succeed. Early intervention is key, and so are support organizations that create opportunities for people with disabilities.
With the right support and a belief in their own abilities, people with cerebral palsy can thrive.