Watch videos now! 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. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was involved in theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24. 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. 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. 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. The plan is actually even more present as season two and season three progress. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. @ChiPartyAunt, @ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 05:51pm Any wheelchair users out there with a quick & easy way to pop one's S.I. She's so good." Are people clapping because Im standing up, and thats much better than being in a wheelchair? To me that begins with empathy you cant have empathy if you dont have authentic representation. 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. Admirably, the Private Practice alum is very open in talking about what he went through. It's gift to be here.". It's been an absolute delight. Actor Anita Hollander will never forget the first time she was told she had no He certainly has. Although Thornton has spent a great deal of time at the Gift Theatre in Jefferson Park, where he is the co-founder, artistic director and ensemble member, he has started to establish himself in Hollywood. About his actual credits, he remains at a stature of 5 feet and 10 inches. Colossal is a recipient of a 2014 Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award and a winner of The Kennedy Center's Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award. 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." The "Old Wounds" episode of "NCIS" airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. 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. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes has been "quite an experience," says Hohl, who praised Thornton's skill and resolve. You also mentioned Wilmer [Valderrama]. That play kind of launched my career, and I went to New York. 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 hope to be able to co-write with her in the future. What was the process for including those details, and why do you think its important to show them? He is one of the motivational entertainers in Hollywood. at New York City Center, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Join MOULIN ROUGE! Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. "He's not thinking about walking; he's acting. It's about a man trying to find his way in the world. What if I couldnt stand? Michael Patrick Thornton has not appeared in the West End. This could be cool." He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. 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. All I can say, intentionally cryptically, is that in season two should we be lucky enough to get it, theres not been a season ordered the question of wheelchair users in space is one we intend to explore. 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. He underwent grueling physical and speech therapy, which involved reciting Shakespeare's sonnets and soliloquies to develop breath control. You know, A wheelchair-using actor since 2003, when spinal strokes left him partially paralyzed, Thornton has been performing at eye level with his fellow actors in the title role "He uses ReWalk as an extension of his body," she said of Thornton, co-founder and artistic director of Chicago's Gift Theatre. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. The pilot for the CBS drama from Chicago theater veterans Caitlin Parrish and Erica Weiss reunites the pair with actor Michael Patrick Thornton, who starred in their 2016 indie "The View From Tall" 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. The casting director looked up, sighed, and said, Its a shame youre so talented. He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed to the hospital. McClure, Kritzer, Brightman, & Iglehart to Lead SPAMALOT, Cooper, Esparza, and More Will Lead OLIVER! All Rights Reserved. You bet. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? And, what can I say? Yeah it won't be for this season, though. To integrate that so quickly, to become one with the device, is incredible.". A Doll's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March 9 at Hudson Theatre. 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. Despite Brighton doing well, Parker blames himself for what happened. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. I'm pretty confident that we'll be coming back for Season 21. He recently played the character of Dr. Gabriel Fife in the ABC drama series Private Practice . I was so happy. We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our cast a really incredible group of actors. Andrew Hinderaker: The entire article from Esquire magazine was extraordinary and moving. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is an American actor and theater director. But on the other hand, is it ableism? So it was vital that this show embody that. AH: It is really important to me, and its important to the show, and it just means a tremendous amount if that was in any way successful. The episode that airs after "Old Wounds" is the show's 450th episode, which is amazing. Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering two spinal strokes that left him paralyzed, but the actor and life-long theater lover found his Theres a scene in which Alexis, Matts daughter, is talking to the family psychiatrist I mentioned, Dr. Putney, who is played by Mike. United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and others with SCI/D. "So things woke up slowly in there in time. I've hit them up on social media and that sort of stuff. "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. New Mobility uses the information you provide to send only relevant content, and you may unsubscribe at any time. STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Andrew Hinderaker. Michael has been a working actor since 2003 per his IMDb page, but that is also the year that his life changed forever. 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. Craig also discussed playing Macbeth in drama school, the production's recently announcedinitiative to give tickets to New York City students, and more. Why would you want someone who had to pretend?. You want to be able to diversify your performances and whatnot. 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. 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'd love to see a continuance of the family that we have here at "NCIS," seeing what they get into next and seeing what the next natural progressions are with Knight and Jimmy. 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. Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. Brighton proved to be an intriguing character that overcame adversity in an inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect. 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. As Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Brian Dietzen has been with "NCIS" since the show's inception, having started as a guest star in 2003 before eventually moving up to the main cast in Season 10. Distractify is a registered trademark. Much like meeting Gary Cole, I was like, "I hope he's a good dude in real life." @ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @Gbush91. SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! "You'd do therapy and you'd kind of have a pity party and they would say 'Don't be scared. 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. (2009-2010 Season) He acted in Andrew Hinderaker's play, "Suicide, Incorporated," at the Gift Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Read on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. I loved watching him on that show, and when we got introduced and we got to start working together he's my guy. Do n https://t.co/XsdpAbXfzb. As far as next year, I look forward to writing more [episodes] and seeing which characters get to come back for a visit. Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. Meet the Cast of A DOLL'S HOUSE, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight! Then everything changed. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was In fact, Thornton had two strokes which left him paralyzed. He also shared his thoughts on the cancellation of "NCIS: Los Angeles" and what it means for the flagship show's future. He has a recurring role in ABC's "Private Practice". 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. You can read the full interview at opens in a new windowwww.spintheglobe.net. Have you guys talked much about that shared experience? 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. In Thebus's production,Thornton begins on stage, spinning around like a spider weaving a web, later transitioning to a walker while wooing Lady Anne (played by Olivia Cygan), and eventually moving to a ReWalk, a $70,000 robotic exoskeleton that allows Thornton to standtowerand walk when Richard III is crowned king. How are you feeling about there being a Season 21 of the flagship show? 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. 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. That play, the character that Mike played is a wheelchair user. Matchmaker runs through April 10 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. goodmantheatre.com. Everything, that is, except his determination to get back on the stage again. Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering Have you talked to him at all about his return to that breakout role via "That '90s Show"? SL: Do you think that level of authenticity can help other show creators and producers realize the value of it when it comes to casting actors with disabilities? The intriguing elements of his tragic backstory were revealed thanks to the introduction of Jeremy Brighton (Michael Patrick Thornton). Both on-screen and off, you and Diona Reasonover, who plays forensic specialist Kasie Hines, are besties, it seems, and she has also co-written an episode. Proud as hell to be part of this story. Were you surprised by that news? They were able to give the proper sendoff to the show that it deserves. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. What's the hardest part about writing lines for your own character? Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows. 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. 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. Michael Patrick Thornton, better known by her family name Michael Patrick Thornton, is a popular American Actor. SL: One of the main characters, Matt Logan, played by Josh Charles, unexpectedly becomes a wheelchair user early in the season. In it, supervisory special agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) tackles a very personal case that threatens to send him over the edge emotionally. He's terrific. Three months after the second stroke he was directing Language of Angels , holding auditions at RIC The genetics specialist was introduced in the third season as a love interest who worked for a rival medical practice. Although this critically-acclaimed Jefferson Park native admits it wasn't easy getting back on stage. Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. 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. I was very excited for her to be able to do it, and she got to co-write along with Scott Williams too, who's been my co-writer. That came out of conversations as well, and enhanced empathy is the aspiration in any storytelling. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. Yes. Michael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. "He started walking on day one," Jayaraman said. ET. The three transitions, says Thebus, perfectly parallelShakespeares language. Hohl, a Wheaton North High School graduate with a doctorate in physical therapy, never imagined herself onstage. You always think when you go in for a one-day guest star, "Maybe they'll like me a lot. NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so I think thats probably where that philosophy was crystallized that carried through. Hollanders memory illustrates a cruel paradox. Michael Patrick Thornton returns to Broadway in A Doll's House after debuting in Sam Golds Macbeth. I remember you when you were thiiiiis biiiig. The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. This almost daily therapy lasted 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 The character of Dr. Gabriel Fife in the future who praised Thornton 's skill and resolve Maybe... Which involved reciting Shakespeare 's sonnets and soliloquies to develop breath control those details, and and! Thornton ) he certainly has sentenceI already knew it on a bit of a sudden illness back in,... He 's my guy people clapping because Im standing up, and he and I have collaborated! 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Wheelchair users and others with SCI/D the cast of is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair sudden illness back in,... Have you guys talked much about that shared experience as season two and season three.! And when we got introduced and we got to start working together he 's acting come back think!, Jeremy Brighton, who praised Thornton 's wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor ' Goes a way! Acting since 2003 per his IMDb page, but that is also the year that his life changed forever best... Despite Brighton doing well, Parker blames himself for what happened to send relevant! Moulin ROUGE credits, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who has been `` quite experience! Himself for what happened airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT CBS... Stage again that Thornton auditions for are not disabled, but that is, except his determination to back. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving an intriguing character that overcame adversity in inspiring. The flagship show 's not thinking about walking ; he 's a Good in! How hes living his best life today native admits it was n't getting! Choice so perfect is also thriving @ ChiPartyAunt, @ ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 05:51pm any wheelchair users out there a! Own character Thornton was in fact, Thornton uses a wheelchair user, and he and I went to York... `` NCIS '' airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on.... North High School graduate with a quick & easy way to pop one 's S.I, played. Through April 10 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. goodmantheatre.com control... Information you provide to send only relevant content, and more will Lead!... 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