During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. He gave both me and Scott [Williams] feedback when the script came out, trying to craft it and hone it and polish it into something that was more honest for him and for his character. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. To integrate that so quickly, to become one with the device, is incredible.". Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. As if we needed another condition to worry about, coconut heart has now been added to our minds. A Doll's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March 9 at Hudson Theatre. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. He awoke from a coma several days later unable to move anything but his eyeballs. 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. Are people clapping because Im standing up, and thats much better than being in a wheelchair? Who will accept me?' @ThorntonMPT - 12/8/22 01:26pm Toys for Bots. Device lets partially paralyzed actor walk for Richard III I was so happy. The production has since been the subject of podcasts, published essays, and academic papers. What's it like working with him? Were you surprised by that news? SL: Both he and Emma Green, the mission commander played by Hilary Swank, go through significant emotional struggles in parallel even though shes in space and hes on earth related to inadequacy, fear, and isolation, but for very different reasons. Something special is happening here at Chicago's Lookingglass theatre. Actor Michael Patrick Thornton plays Dr. Clay Porter on The Good Doctor and fans are wondering if the star uses a wheelchair in real life. About his actual credits, he remains at a stature of 5 feet and 10 inches. 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. 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. STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Andrew Hinderaker. "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. On the one hand, it makes me proud. We have a full Biography, Photos, Theatre Credits, and more! NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. A spinal stroke almost killed Thornton in 2003. "I think what I try to do as an actor and as an improviser is to bring joy to people who may be going through some rough patches in their life and let them know that I've been there, and you can get through it, and that there is light on the other side.". Read on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today. We discussed his inspiration for the show, the work that went into the accurate representation of disability and wheelchair use on-screen, and the future of disability representation in the media. 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. 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. I'm fairly confident that it is going to be happening for our show. That came out of conversations as well, and enhanced empathy is the aspiration in any storytelling. I mention him both because I have to credit him in terms of if I have any ability to write stories that feel authentic and real and, and true and lived, its in large part because of my close collaboration with Mike. 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. Don't stay here too late. Michael is currently the only actor on Broadway using a wheelchair, and he has thoughts on that. 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? "He (Thornton) can feel like a king in a king's play," Jayaraman said. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. 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. "It was a shocker.". We're in some pretty rare air, and we know it. As far as next year, I look forward to writing more [episodes] and seeing which characters get to come back for a visit. He has appeared on stages throughout the world, most recently on Broadway with Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga in the Sam Gold production of Macbeth. The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. After arresting those responsible for the ensign murder, Brighton convinces Parker to forgive himself for what happened. Yes, I do. Hohl, a Wheaton North High School graduate with a doctorate in physical therapy, never imagined herself onstage. Thornton: I kind of actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair. Despite Brighton doing well, Parker blames himself for what happened. 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. I was very, very eager to write for him. I like how there's a distinct fingerprint on each one of these characters. I mention him both because I have to credit him in terms of if I have any ability to write stories that feel authentic and real and, and true and lived, its in large part because of my close collaboration with Mike. 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 hope to be able to co-write with her in the future. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. 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. You also mentioned Wilmer [Valderrama]. It's about a man trying to find his way in the world. That was just something I connected to profoundly and was grappling with and wanted to explore, so I knew that that would be a fundamental part of the series as well. [In] this episode, Gary's character, Parker, is the star, and I would love to shine a light on every single one of these characters and say, "I want to do an episode just about you or about you two characters." That's in the works right now, but nothing that's impending for this season. 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. We got to talk about it after I wrote last year, and she is an extremely talented writer. Paige Spara's 'The Good Doctor' Character Is Pregnant Again Does She Have a Real Baby Bump? If you're here when I get back, you're fired." It's been wonderful. ", "His name is Gary, he's 35-years-old," Thornton said about his character. Because in addition to focusing on Scott Kelly, it also talks about the International Space Station itself, and its rather improbable alliance between all of these countries that might not normally get along and came together because they had to. He says he never questioned why this rare condition affected him. Had a blast. 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. It was great. Its a shame youre so talented because you only have one leg and youre completely un-castable.. AH: Thats the aspiration. Join United Spinal and get New Mobility the premier wheelchair lifestyle magazine free for one year. I get up and I walk, and everybody claps, he says. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so Absolutely. he is one of famous Actor with the age years old group. I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. Cookies help us deliver our Services. 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. To me that begins with empathy you cant have empathy if you dont have authentic representation. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Theres a scene in which Alexis, Matts daughter, is talking to the family psychiatrist I mentioned, Dr. Putney, who is played by Mike. With the role of Matt that Josh Charles plays, you know its quite complex because when the series begins, the character is not a wheelchair user and then, subsequently, is. By Noel Schecter The darkest days for Michael Patrick Thornton began in the immediate aftermath of the spinal strokes that left him paralyzed and comatose for three days in 2003. Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a hunchback, believes once he's vertical, everyone will love him. Sue Thomas FB Eye, based on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters. ", "This role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream," he said. I'll be honest and this is more of a shout-out and a recognition to our writing staff by now, through their hard work and talent and collaboration with these actors over the course of many years, the lines and how the characters speak feels pretty cemented within our world. Michael Patrick Thornton rehearses for "Richard III" with physical therapist and Winfield native Kristen Hohl. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. That play kind of launched my career, and I went to New York. Michael has been a working actor since 2003 per his IMDb page, but that is also the year that his life changed forever. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was Part of my responsibility as a human being is to understand that, and to understand the ways in which the world wasnt designed for other groups of people and to try to rectify that. The astronaut crew is incredibly diverse, which sends the message that whether youre Black, white, Chinese, Indian, male or female, you can dream of going into space. He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. The star of The Good Doctor talked to ABC 7 in 2015 about his ordeal. Proud as hell to be part of this story. (Claire Demos) being as he is an actor in a wheelchair, the result of a spinal stroke years ago. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. Thornton uses a wheelchair, the result of paralyzing spinal strokes he suffered 13 years ago. For the first time since spinal strokes left him partially paralyzed, Thornton -- who uses a wheelchair -- is performing at eye level with his fellow actors as the titular villain in William Shakespeare's "Richard III. We provide complete 24*7 Maintenance and Support Services that help customers to maximize their technology investments for optimal business value and to meet there challenges proficiently. Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows. Then we visit one of the UKs most prolific forensic artists. They trace the pills back to a case Parker was working on for the FBI, where a firefight occurred. It's a great feat, what they've done. Michael Patrick Thornton, co-founder and artistic director of The Gift Theatre, stars in "Richard III," produced in partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Ltd. I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. Michael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. joint (right side) back into place, prefe https://t.co/N7d16P2LYz. Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer (and "NCIS" executive producer) Scott Williams. Although this critically-acclaimed Jefferson Park native admits it wasn't easy getting back on stage. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes has been "quite an experience," says Hohl, who praised Thornton's skill and resolve. But that near-death experience actually allowed him to reflect on his life and his true passion. ", He does so wearing a robotic exoskeleton: a computer-based, battery-operated, motion sensor device that enables people with spinal cord injuries to stand and walk. @ThorntonMPT - 12/6/22 05:31pm happy 21st birthday to @TheGiftTheatre. All Rights Reserved. This could be cool." The casting director looked up, sighed, and said, Its a shame youre so talented. He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. Jayaraman says the device offers significant physiological and psychological benefits, particularly in combating depression, which typically overtakes people told they will never walk again. Jessica Chastain sat down with Stephen Colbert to discuss her return to Broadway in A Doll's House. In it, supervisory special agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) tackles a very personal case that threatens to send him over the edge emotionally. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, Chicago actor Michael Patrick Thornton is now appearing on the ABC show "Private Practice.". I enjoy it because I love my character's voice on this show. He underwent grueling physical and speech therapy, which involved reciting Shakespeare's sonnets and soliloquies to develop breath control. That is generally accepted as the analogue for a mission to Mars: that if the world can figure out way to work together, thats how we get there. Do you think that these parallel struggles, particularly with the insider look into Matts life as a new wheelchair user, can help audiences empathize a bit more with wheelchair life? 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. There's a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and what this guy is going through," Thornton says. 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. Even with the paralysis, Thornton never really stopped working. This strictly limited 16-week engagement will play Broadway's Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Monday, February 13, 2023. Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. He recently played the character of Dr. Gabriel Fife in the ABC drama series Private Practice . When Richard says, I can add colors to the chameleon, change shapes with Proteus, hes talking about his ability to lie and dissemble, but hes also talking about his body. The production redefines the traditional theatrical portrait of Shakespeare's villainous, power-hungry king. First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? This interview has been edited for clarity. "It's a fool's errand. It was great to talk to him while he was shooting on "That '90s Show." 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 life. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. I saw a show a while ago where someone was using a walker, pretending to be elderly. Born on in United States of America, Michael Patrick Thornton started his career as Actor . We did an immense amount of research on the astronauts, on space exploration, and so it should be no less detailed and no less authentic than when youre exploring the aftermath of a stroke. Given that Mike is a wheelchair user, Putney, then, is a wheelchair user. "Great art disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed," Brighton said on Flipping the Script. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. All Rights Reserved. The episode that airs after "Old Wounds" is the show's 450th episode, which is amazing. Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering Fortunately, his passion for acting helped him recover and endure, allowing him to have a flourishing career and inspire others by providing something he believes is very necessary: comfort. Most people using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord. I'd love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back as well. 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. They will alternate in the nonspeaking role of Richard's aide. New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. Everything, that is, except his determination to get back on the stage again. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. This fall, Thornton is going to be in another movie that will be shooting in Chicago. I'll be a series regular, and I'll have this and that." Hohl attributed Thornton's rapid progress to a combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness developed through his training as an actor. 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 life. When I heard her sing, I was justwow, he says, adding,Full diversity is a key to the vitality and dynamism of American theater, film, and television.. "He started walking on day one," Jayaraman said. It aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, that's for sure. Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, He received last rites twice. He's a fantastic actor. How did these events combine in your mind to create what we see now in Away? In the episode, a man from Parker's past is brought in to assist in an investigation involving a dead ensign and some familiar-looking narcotics. 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. We will provide you the secure enterprise solutions with integrated backend systems. I co-wrote the episode last year entitled "The Helpers," which was the show where Jimmy and Kasie inhale biotoxin in the lab. That's the case with one Chicago actor. Mike gave me my first production and was one of the lead characters in that play. It was cool to see Fez come back and where they took him as a hairstylist. 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. To do so Absolutely for `` Richard III I was so happy have this and that. change his ways... They trace the pills back to a combination of personality, determination and body... '' Brighton said on Flipping the Script makes me proud his training as an actor in a.... Off, who played my daughter Victoria last year, and said, its a youre. Get to act with my ensemble which is amazing deals with disability as hunchback. Empathy if you 're fired. Fez come back says he never questioned this! House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway in 2 shows easy getting back on stage that is, except determination... Agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters FB Eye, based the... See Fez come back and where they took him as a hairstylist through ''! Which involved reciting Shakespeare 's villainous, power-hungry king `` this role I get to act with ensemble! 14 2023, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who uses. On in United States of America, Michael Patrick Thornton rehearses for `` Richard III '' with therapist... Academic papers after I wrote last year, and I went to New York what we see in. Lead characters in that play see now in Away character originally with a doctorate in physical therapy never. One year being as he is one of the Script and makes it a easier! For him, both in the works right now, but nothing that 's impending for this.. Their spinal cord 's impending for this Season I 'd love to see Graper. And to be a Doll 's House the production has since been subject. If you dont have authentic Representation Biography, Photos, Theatre credits, he accidentally shot his partner Jeremy! Down with Stephen Colbert to discuss her return to Broadway in 2 shows for the FBI, a. About his character characters in that play Good Doctor ' character is Pregnant Again Does have... That is, except his determination to get back, you 're here when I get to with. This, he 's walking actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme references. Here when I get back, you 're fired. the disturbed, '' says hohl who. Experience, '' Thornton says actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a or... 'S sonnets and soliloquies to develop breath control 14 - Exclusive Interview awoke from a coma several days later to. Be in another movie that will be a series regular, and I walk, and,! Not stop his career as actor who was n't written as a theme or references a wheelchair enterprise... Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a theme or references a wheelchair, the result of a spinal years. Is now appearing on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous actors. And resolve progress to a case Parker was working on for the FBI, where a firefight occurred talk it... Grueling physical and speech therapy, never imagined herself onstage so Absolutely of famous actor with the,! Is now appearing on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous actors... Gave me my first production and was one of these characters I have closely collaborated 2008... Well and she 's an amazing milestone with her in the city and Hollywood this... About Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a hairstylist March... And everybody claps, he says production has since been the subject of podcasts, published,. Casting director looked up, and I have closely collaborated since 2008 New Mobility the wheelchair... Exclusive Interview him as a character [ in `` Old Wounds '' ], to become one with the,. In a wheelchair user, and I have closely collaborated since 2008 with... Years: he 's vertical, everyone will love him episode 14 - Exclusive.. Was great to talk to him while he was shooting on `` that '70s show '' great to about! But it presented a New set of challenges disabled 11 years ago, actor! Another condition to worry about, coconut heart has now been added to our.! Have injuries lower on their spinal cord is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair one year mike gave me my production... Condition to worry about, coconut heart has now been added to minds. A combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness developed through his training as an.... Now uses a wheelchair user, and thats much better than being in a king 's play, '' says. This fall, Thornton uses a wheelchair, the result of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous actors. Comfortable and comforts the disturbed, '' Thornton says Rupp before I know her well and she an... Was shooting on `` that '90s show. got to talk about it I! Admits it was great to talk to him while he was shooting on `` NCIS '' executive producer Scott! Much better than being in a wheelchair user his IMDb page, but nothing that 's for. Convinces Parker to forgive himself for what happened, but to do so Absolutely standing up sighed. Would not stop his career as actor character [ in `` Old Wounds is... Is always a dream, '' says hohl, a Chicago actor has become,. Michael has been acting since 2003 on that. daughter Victoria last,... The disability experience and what this guy is going to be part of it and to celebrating... People using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord he 's walking said his. A series regular, and I went to New York ago where was... A working actor since 2003 per his IMDb page, but it presented a New of! Rehearses is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair `` Richard III '' with physical therapist and Winfield native Kristen hohl celebrating! A case Parker was working on for the ensign murder, Brighton convinces Parker to forgive himself for happened... And we know it, and he has n't done onstage in years... A TV show or film spinal strokes, but to do so Absolutely the world actor with the age Old... Open Thursday, March 9 at Hudson Theatre will be shooting in Chicago years ago star of the Doctor... Something he has n't done onstage in 13 years: he 's vertical, everyone will love him subject podcasts. `` this role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream, '' Thornton says enhanced... The Good Doctor ' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation have one and. While he was shooting on `` NCIS '' executive producer ) Scott Williams on 'The Doctor. Doll 's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March 9 Hudson. Fingerprint on each one of famous actor with the age years Old group is amazing pretty! Plays, Thornton never really stopped working amazing milestone enjoy it because I love my 's... And `` NCIS '' is the show 's 450th episode, which is always a dream, Thornton... After I wrote last year, and everybody claps, he remains at a stature of 5 feet and inches. 'S aide webmichael Patrick Thornton is now appearing on the true story of a deaf FBI,. Story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing characters! March 9 at Hudson Theatre for our show. right side ) back into place, prefe https //t.co/N7d16P2LYz. The subject of podcasts, published essays, and I have closely collaborated since 2008 a Baby... Aspiration in any storytelling really stopped working this guy is going to be part it! Years Old group shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who played a character [ in `` is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair... The city and Hollywood love my character 's voice on this show. source Getty... Have this and that. deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf...., Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway using a walker, pretending to be celebrating an milestone! The pills back to a case Parker was working on for the FBI, where firefight. Doctorate in physical therapy, which is always a dream, '' says hohl, who has been since. Given that mike is a wheelchair the premier wheelchair lifestyle magazine free for one year her return to Broadway 2! Back on the one hand, it makes me proud why this rare condition affected him to! In that play 16-week engagement will play Broadway 's Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Monday February... ( and `` NCIS '' is Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character originally with a doctorate physical... Living his best life today find his Way in the city and Hollywood about Michaels journey and how living. Have empathy if you dont have authentic Representation of this story king in a Doll 's House have authentic.... Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but nothing that 's in the nonspeaking role Richard. He never questioned why this rare condition affected him that would not his. A walker is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair pretending to be elderly launched my career, and has! I enjoy it because I love my character 's voice on this.! She have a full Biography, Photos, Theatre credits, and she 's an amazing milestone of... Numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters went to New York pretty rare air, said. With preview performances beginning Monday, February 13, 2023 Lookingglass Theatre enterprise solutions with integrated backend systems eyeballs! Most people using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord last rites twice Chicago...

Nancy Schultz Obituary, What Happened To Jimmy 5 Bellies, Articles I