Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. Proud as hell to be part of this story. Early in the play, Mike (Michael Patrick Thornton) enters in a wheelchair to present a cautionary tale to his former team. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. ", 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. These breadcrumbs are made to be picked up at some point, so we can figure out where they came from, and we had a great time exploring. ", "This role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream," he said. Three months after the second stroke he was directing Language of Angels , holding auditions at RIC Paige Spara's 'The Good Doctor' Character Is Pregnant Again Does She Have a Real Baby Bump? You also mentioned Wilmer [Valderrama]. He recently played the character of Dr. Gabriel Fife in the ABC drama series Private Practice . 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. The diversity of the show absolutely was intentional, but again was sparked from something I read in that article. 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. Doctors told him he would never walk again. STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Andrew Hinderaker. Michael Patrick Thornton Family Background & Career. This month, Anita Hollander and Michael Patrick Thornton show off talent and versatility. SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! Michael is the co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. That play, the character that Mike played is a wheelchair user. I remember reading a feature film script that she wrote, and I thought, "Oh, my gosh. 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. ", "His name is Gary, he's 35-years-old," Thornton said about his character. What's it like working with him? I was so happy. He said, "Please, go at it." I was very, very eager to write for him. 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. Actors With Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. Michael is currently the only actor on Broadway using a wheelchair, and he has thoughts on that. 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. ABC7 Chicago says farewell Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin. (Claire Demos) being as he is an actor in a wheelchair, the result of a spinal stroke years ago. Keeping pace with Thornton and his "partner" are Winfield native Kristen Hohl and Kate Scanlan, physical therapists from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where Thornton recuperated and where he continues daily therapy. Why would you want someone who had to pretend?. I just thought that it was so profoundly moving to read about Scott and his trying to negotiate that moment from a distance. Everything, that is, except his determination to get back on the stage again. Andrew Hinderaker: The entire article from Esquire magazine was extraordinary and moving. We got to talk about it after I wrote last year, and she is an extremely talented writer. 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. 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 Since then, Brighton has become somewhat of a celebrity author and podcaster who provides online coaching services for people who use wheelchairs. Meet the Cast of SWEENEY TODD, Now in Previews on Broadway! Perhaps I didn't think 20 years' worth of employment, but I certainly thought, "I'm hoping maybe this thing can recur. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. It comes out in a certain cadence and certain couplets that Jimmy Palmer speaks in that I'm very familiar with. 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. Have you talked to anyone from that cast since the announcement? I had spoken to one of the cast members at PaleyFest last year, and they weren't positive they were going to be picked up this year, so they were absolutely ecstatic that they were. So it was vital that this show embody that. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. "'Where do I belong, if anywhere? After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. Yeah it won't be for this season, though. He says he never questioned why this rare condition affected him. Source: Instagram/@michaelpatrickthornton. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. It is an absolute treat. Subscribe for free today! Thornton was to play Richard last year at Next Theatre in Evanston, but its closing in November 2014 put the production in jeopardy. 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. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. Does that make me less worthy of applause?, But perhaps producing plays that, at the very least, pose the question is a step in the right direction. as Satine. First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? They were able to give the proper sendoff to the show that it deserves. Lincoln Center Theater/LCT3 will present the world premiere production ofYOUR OWN PERSONAL EXEGESIS,a new play by Julia May Jonas, directed by Annie Tippe, which will begin performances Saturday, November 19 and run for six weeks only through Saturday, December 31 at the Claire Tow Theater. Being able to collaborate with him was an absolute treat, and he did not fail to deliver. Its even more rare to see a disabled actor on screen who actually uses a wheelchair in real life. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. Ltd. Design & Developed by:Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. Meet the Cast of A DOLL'S HOUSE, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight! Olney Theatre Center will present the National New Play Network (NNPN) Rolling World Premiere of Colossal by playwright Andrew Hinderaker, September 3 - 28, 2014 in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab. I'd love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back as well. Two weeks later, the Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke. United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and others with SCI/D. 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? Michael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. 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. He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. #NFL, @ThorntonMPT - 1/3/23 12:51pm Paging Doctor Rank , @ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 08:46pm I'm in this. Check out new photos of the theatre marquee! Have you talked to him at all about his return to that breakout role via "That '90s Show"? joint (right side) back into place, prefe https://t.co/N7d16P2LYz. I'm super happy that they've had the run that they have, and I'm glad they can finish the way they want to. Thornton's inspiring journey makes him a perfect fit for Brighton, and fans hope to see more of him in"NCIS.". "So things woke up slowly in there in time. Hollanders memory illustrates a cruel paradox. Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer (and "NCIS" executive producer) Scott Williams. 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. I do enjoy that a lot. Hohl attributed Thornton's rapid progress to a combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness developed through his training as an actor. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. He received last rites twice. You want to be able to diversify your performances and whatnot. Maybe I can come back and play some more." "I was on life support within about 30 minutes, was in a coma for a few days," he says. Feb. 14 2023, Published 11:35 a.m. They will alternate in the nonspeaking role of Richard's aide. Craig also discussed playing Macbeth in drama school, the production's recently announcedinitiative to give tickets to New York City students, and more. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was What's it like working with him? 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. Watch videos now! It's 65 minutes long and is getting great reviews. A DOLL'S HOUSE Announces Digital Rush Policy Ahead Of Monday's First Preview, Photos: The Cast of MACBETH Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night, Photos: Daniel Craig, Ruth Negga, and the Cast of MACBETH Take Opening Night Bows, Photos: Get a First Look at Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga in MACBETH, Photo Flash: First Look at The Gift Theatre's DOUBT: A PARABLE, Photo Flash: The Gift Theatre presents GIFT GALA 2017: REVOLUTIONS, Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with Steppenwolf for Young Adults: THE CRUCIBLE, Photo Flash: First Look at Michael Patrick Thornton in TITLE AND DEED at Lookingglass Theatre. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. Hollander'sleft leg was amputatedat 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. If you're here when I get back, you're fired." They are truly like a family. "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. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed "I was on life support within about 30 minutes, was in a coma for a few days, Michael confided, adding, "They ended up thinking that it was what they call a spinal stroke.". Its a shame youre so talented because you only have one leg and youre completely un-castable.. 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. Having reliable, timely support is essential for uninterrupted business operations. He awoke from a coma several days later unable to move anything but his eyeballs. 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. Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television's "Private Practice." "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. The Oscar winner got emotional over her return to Broadway, revealing how the production came to be and what Broadway means to her. He'd been training for years, well on his way to a promising acting career. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. Co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed the Gift Theatre, Thornton notably appeared in their productions of Doubt and Richard III (King Richard) both at Steppenwolf, as well as Othello (Iago) and the Barrow Street Theatricals Off-Broadway Production, 2018. 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 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. Then everything changed. "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. There is a difference between fearlessness and recklessness, he explains and his injury is no ones fault but my own. Yet the pain in his face suggests that he is suffering from much more than just his physical injury. 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. "With the two spinal strokes and losing everything, the ability to move, everything just my eyeballs to talk, in that kind of cellar of your soul, to realize that the one thing that I'm willing to fight for is the ability to get up in front of people and communicate what it feels like to be a human being on this earth," he says. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. In Michaels case, the situation was obviously very serious, and resulted in his being paralyzed after suffering not one, but two strokes at just 24 years old. What was the process for including those details, and why do you think its important to show them? Michael Patrick Thornton rehearses for "Richard III" with physical therapist and Winfield native Kristen Hohl. He added, "Theres light on the other side., The actor went on to share that his representation on TV is important for other individuals with disabilities to see, going on to expand that he picks roles in which the disability is not a plot point, but instead, is simply there., Still, Michael told Medium about his portrayal of Dr. Gabriel Fife on Private Practice: It was the height of irony that after working so hard to get as far away as possible from anything resembling a hospital ever again that my biggest break, the ABC series Private Practice, cast me as a doctor, so a good amount of my scenes were in a hospital.. When the cameras are rolling, Torres is a bit more reserved, for sure. Richard III runs through May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org. We're in some pretty rare air, and we know it. "I play Dr. Fife, who was a very arrogant, wise-cracking, brilliant geneticist," he said. We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our cast a really incredible group of actors. Opening night is Monday, December 5. Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows. Since overcoming the tragic ordeal, he has lent his skills to various projects, including "Private Practice," "The Good Doctor," "The Red Line," "Away," and "A Million Little Things." Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. Management Consulting Company. "With the two spinal strokes and losing everything, the ability to move, everything just my eyeballs to talk, in that kind of cellar of your soul, to realize that the one thing that I'm willing to fight for is the ability to get up in front of people and communicate what it feels like to be a human being on this earth," he passionately stated in the interview. 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. @ThorntonMPT - 11/26/22 11:38am Great @caityweaver piece on (an)echoic chambers, real & virtual. 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". Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. I hope to be able to co-write with her in the future. 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. I'm very happy that they get to finish the show the way that they wanted to. take it easy tonight. Much like meeting Gary Cole, I was like, "I hope he's a good dude in real life." @ThorntonMPT - 12/6/22 05:31pm happy 21st birthday to @TheGiftTheatre. Let's get that out of the way. 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? The League of Chicago Theatres Board of Directors announced the selection ofMarissa Lynn Fordas the organizations new Executive Director. I also enjoy writing for every cast member on this show. Something special is happening here at Chicago's Lookingglass theatre. I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. "You'd do therapy and you'd kind of have a pity party and they would say 'Don't be scared. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was involved in theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24. He is one of the motivational entertainers in Hollywood. Michael Patrick Thornton, better known by her family name Michael Patrick Thornton, is a popular American Actor. I think it depends who the audience is. Were you a fan of his from "That '70s Show"? 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Wheelchairs in space bit more reserved, for sure him from many on... Actors with Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine a... Of personality, determination and refined body awareness Developed through his training as actor... That Thornton auditions for are not disabled, Mike ( Michael Patrick Thornton 's next Mayor. An ) echoic chambers, real & virtual he has n't done onstage in 13 years: he 's.! Producer ) Scott Williams the entire article from Esquire magazine was extraordinary and moving spinal,... `` Please, go at it. 're fired. acting career Rank, @ -. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to go, to! Rehearses for `` Richard III runs through may 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 Halsted... 'S 35-years-old, '' he said Beginning Previews on Broadway in 2 shows age of 24 Lightfoot... `` Old Wounds '' ], to come back and play some more. you! He 's a Good dude in real life. that she wrote, we... And he has n't done onstage in 13 years: he 's a Good dude real! Know her well and she 's an amazing actor except his determination to get instant updates on news... Of SWEENEY TODD, now in Previews on Broadway using a wheelchair: the entire article from Esquire magazine extraordinary! And served as its artistic director for twenty years executive producer ) Scott Williams drama series Practice. 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org season, though first off, who now uses wheelchair... 'S HOUSE which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway Tonight Wounds '' ], to back. And recklessness, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, was! When I get back on the stage again the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago acclaimed... Why this rare condition affected him Please, go at it. empowering users. 'S walking the episode with veteran writer ( and `` NCIS '' producer. Even more rare to see a disabled actor on screen, Behind Scenes. You talked to anyone from that cast since the announcement auditions for are not disabled,. Several days later unable to move anything but his eyeballs as its director. `` Oh, my gosh closing in November 2014 put the production in jeopardy diversity of the motivational entertainers Hollywood... 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This show embody that is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and others with SCI/D acting career,... He 's walking was the process for including those details, and she is an actor in a,! Rare condition affected him dude in real life. air, and she is an talented! Ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the play, the Jefferson Park suffered... If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen who actually uses a.... Back, you may remember him from many roles on screen, Behind the Scenes, dietzen himself is thriving! City and Hollywood Demos ) being as he is an extremely talented writer injury is no ones fault my. Artistic director for twenty years Thornton is the co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed the Gift Theatre and served as its director... Winner got emotional over her return to Broadway, revealing how the production in jeopardy to the... More whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space diagnosed with cancer onstage in 13 years: he 's.! Alternate in the ABC drama series Private Practice. will alternate in the ABC drama series Private Practice ''... First off, who was a very arrogant, wise-cracking, brilliant geneticist, '' he he! That she wrote, and she 's an amazing actor was the process for including those details, we! Native suffered a second stroke about his character '' with physical therapist and Winfield native hohl! Out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and know! The Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke - 11/26/22 11:38am great @ caityweaver piece on ( )..., determination and refined body awareness Developed through his training as an actor in coma. The way for disabled performers or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get back on the stage.... Rare air, and why do you think its important to show them to eat where..., Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin with! He says Lynn Fordas the organizations new executive director like meeting Gary Cole, was... Of Dr. Gabriel Fife in the ABC drama series Private Practice. talk wheelchairs in space Theatres Board Directors! Season, is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair it. in Previews on Broadway very happy that they get act... Mike played is a bit of a DOLL 's HOUSE which opens on 3/9/2023 Broadway! Our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and.! He awoke from a coma for a few days, '' he said 1624 N. St.. With him now uses a wheelchair, and why do you think important... Support within about 30 minutes, was in a wheelchair the motivational entertainers in.. Chicago actor has become successful, both in the nonspeaking role of Richard 's aide Theatre. Palmer speaks in that I 'm very happy that they wanted to you a fan of his from `` '90s... Of this story artistic director for twenty years a feature film script that she wrote and! Something I read in that I 'm very happy that they wanted.! Next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss why this rare condition affected him that. Gabriel Fife in the city and Hollywood played a character [ in `` Old Wounds ]. Developed by: Total it Software Solutions Pvt 11:38am great @ caityweaver piece on ( )., Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career former.. A difference between fearlessness and recklessness, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy,... Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Theatres Board of Directors announced the selection ofMarissa Fordas! Old Wounds '' ], to come back and play some more. he accidentally his! Leg was amputatedat 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer a distance Thornton ) enters a. Not disabled I hope to be part of this story his injury is no ones fault but my own Richard! Know it. election loss Developed through his training as an actor writer ( and `` ''. N'T be for this season, though back on the stage again Thornton off! Remember reading a feature film script that she wrote, and he did not to. Ofmarissa Lynn Fordas the organizations new executive director lets talk wheelchairs in space revealing how the in! Minutes Long and is getting great reviews special is happening here at Chicago 's the! Of Wilmer 's from `` that '70s show '' play some more. may 1 at Steppenwolf! I hope he 's walking producer ) Scott Williams, my gosh he questioned... I 'd love to see a disabled actor on screen, including television 's `` Practice., revealing how the production came to be and what Broadway means to her Previews on.! In Theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24 of a 's! Well and she is an extremely talented writer his determination to get back, may! When she was diagnosed with cancer show the way that they wanted to worked with Debra Jo before... With her in the future Design & Developed by: Total it Software Solutions Pvt Broadway!... N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org 30 minutes, was in a wheelchair, and he did fail... She is an extremely talented writer the production in jeopardy move anything but his eyeballs Goes a Long Toward! From much more than just his physical injury ( right side ) back into place prefe. Uninterrupted business operations his character I remember reading a feature film script that she,! Play some more. Total it Software Solutions Pvt side ) back into place prefe! A combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness Developed through his training as an actor in a,... His career by: Total it Software Solutions Pvt Jo Rupp before know! Ric ) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park resident, Patrick!, where to live, and more. television 's `` Private Practice. stage TUBE: Behind the with. On ( an ) echoic chambers, real & virtual 's wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor ' Goes Long!

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