leads you down a dark and twisting hallway," he said. Those two characters couldn't be further apart, which is awesome. 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" SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! What's the hardest part about writing lines for your own character? He was ready to play. 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. Enter writer/actor Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy. 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 @ChiPartyAunt, @ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 05:51pm Any wheelchair users out there with a quick & easy way to pop one's S.I. 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? 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. They were able to give the proper sendoff to the show that it deserves. If so, where do you hope it takes your character in terms of storylines? 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? ButThe Matchmakerdirector Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander,who moves from a wheelchair to a prosthetic leg to crutches in the show. The star confessed to having a pity party at first, but seeing sick children at the rehabilitation center where he was recovering helped Michael see a brighter future ahead, which, for him, included acting. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. And for me it felt really profound and something I connected to personally. Something special is happening here at Chicago's Lookingglass theatre. For Thornton, Richards evolution also sheds light on an audiences perception of disabled actors. joint (right side) back into place, prefe https://t.co/N7d16P2LYz. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. Daniel Craig sat down on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night to discuss returning to Broadway in the upcoming revival of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. 'The Good Doctor' Fans Think Lea Is Leaving After This Shocking Plot Development. 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. 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". Perhaps I didn't think 20 years' worth of employment, but I certainly thought, "I'm hoping maybe this thing can recur. We've had a lot of peeks into Parker's behaviors through his constant changing of hobbies bird watching, growing plants in his greenhouse, and picking up pastries for his team and how much he openly values his team, telling people, "I want you to go have a healthy life, Jimmy. I enjoy it because I love my character's voice on this show. [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." Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. However, we have a couple of languages in the show of both flashbacks and magical realism that are pretty present in the first season. 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. The "Old Wounds" episode of "NCIS" airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Copyright 2023 United Spinal Association, Motion Composites Introduces New Ergonomic, Quad-Friendly Handrims. Here's a couple p https://t.co/JmBuGcnCvz, @ThorntonMPT - 12/2/22 04:46pm Obviously not a wheelchair-accessible @lyft, cuz I waited so long for one to arrive last night (it never came) that https://t.co/dPj4PFqkBb, @ThorntonMPT - 11/29/22 11:50am Absolute joy acting with @DemianBichir on @Showtime #LetTheRightOneIn. It's a great feat, what they've done. Actors With Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. 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. 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 is one of the motivational entertainers in Hollywood. ET. And because Im an accessible travel writer, of course I had to ask about wheelchair users in space! Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. But on the other hand, is it ableism? Ltd. Design & Developed by:Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. @ThorntonMPT - 12/8/22 01:26pm Toys for Bots. 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 I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. Were you surprised by that news? I remember you when you were thiiiiis biiiig. So, while yes The Gift has me--an incomplete quadriplegic--as the artistic director and we have an ensemble member who is legally blind and yes we've featured a deaf actor on our stage and yes one goal for our future home is the most handicapped-accessible theatre in the world, I don't really think of us as the disabled ones. Yeah it won't be for this season, though. New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. You also mentioned Wilmer [Valderrama]. He'd been training for years, well on his way to a promising acting career. 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. 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. "It's a fool's errand. Have you talked to anyone from that cast since the announcement? All Rights Reserved. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant leaving the FBI for NCIS. Matchmaker runs through April 10 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. goodmantheatre.com. Most people using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord. 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. I'm fairly confident that it is going to be happening for our show. "They all have disabilities because I'm playing them," he said. "They ended up thinking that it was what they call a spinal stroke.". 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. He plays Hilarys psychiatrist, Dr. Fred Putney. Given that Mike is a wheelchair user, Putney, then, is a wheelchair user. "I was on life support within about 30 minutes, was in a coma for a few days," he says. AH: I hope so. Being able to collaborate with him was an absolute treat, and he did not fail to deliver. Thornton: I kind of actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair. Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. Thornton was 24 when he suffered his first spinal stroke, a disruption of the blood supply to his spine, on St. Patrick's Day 2003. 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.. The genetics specialist was introduced in the third season as a love interest who worked for a rival medical practice. 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. 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. You can read the full interview at opens in a new windowwww.spintheglobe.net. Paige Spara's 'The Good Doctor' Character Is Pregnant Again Does She Have a Real Baby Bump? Since then, Brighton has become somewhat of a celebrity author and podcaster who provides online coaching services for people who use wheelchairs. Go behind the scenes with the playwright in the video below! Off-stage, those with disabilities are gawked at, while on-stage, theyre mostly invisible. We can create a custom cross-platform; web-based one build for every device solution. 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. 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. What was the process for including those details, and why do you think its important to show them? I think thats probably where that philosophy was crystallized that carried through. Chastain reveals what she does to make her dressing room home and teases the production's set. Within months, he directed a play at The Gift. Proud as hell to be part of this story. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed to the hospital. I'm pretty confident that we'll be coming back for Season 21. Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, 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 is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. 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. 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. Having reliable, timely support is essential for uninterrupted business operations. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? 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. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? SL: One of the main characters, Matt Logan, played by Josh Charles, unexpectedly becomes a wheelchair user early in the season. It is cool to watch. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. @ThorntonMPT - 12/6/22 05:31pm happy 21st birthday to @TheGiftTheatre. 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. AH: Thats the aspiration. We got to talk about it after I wrote last year, and she is an extremely talented writer. I was so happy. "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.". This time around, which character were you most excited to write scenes for? It's been an absolute delight. Although this critically-acclaimed Jefferson Park native admits it wasn't easy getting back on stage. Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer (and "NCIS" executive producer) Scott Williams. 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. Read on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today. All Right Reserved 2014 Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. He's terrific. 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. I think it depends who the audience is. I co-wrote the episode last year entitled "The Helpers," which was the show where Jimmy and Kasie inhale biotoxin in the lab. He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. Maybe I can come back and play some more." ", "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'd love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back as well. .Jessica Chastainstars as 'Nora Helmer' in Lloyd's radical new production ofHenrik Ibsen's landmark drama A Doll's House in a new version byAmy Herzog. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. "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. Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a hunchback, believes once he's vertical, everyone will love him. The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. Other select productions: The Gift's production of Doubt at Steppenwolf; Will Eno's Title and Deed (Lookingglass Theatre-Time Out "Best Actor" Award) as well as Eno's Middletown (Steppenwolf) the inaugural premiere of Andrew Hinderaker's Colossal (Olney Theatre, Kennedy Center) Othello (The Gift, where he played "Iago") Our Town (Actors Theatre of Louisville) and the world premieres of Hinderaker's Dirty and Suicide, Incorporated for which Thornton was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. It's a one-man show called 'title and deed,' starring Michael Patrick Thornton. United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and others with SCI/D. It's gift to be here.". Source: Instagram/@michaelpatrickthornton. Michael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Three months after the second stroke he was directing Language of Angels , holding auditions at RIC 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. He had to learn to walk again -- which he can do for short distances, "but it's exhausting" -- and uses a motorized chair to WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Meet the Cast of SWEENEY TODD, Now in Previews on Broadway! They trace the pills back to a case Parker was working on for the FBI, where a firefight occurred. What's it like working with him? 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 get up and I walk, and everybody claps, he says. "I mean, even Dr. Fife in Private practice wasn't written as a character originally with a wheelchair or disability. 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. 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. It was cool to see Fez come back and where they took him as a hairstylist. 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." Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. I do enjoy that a lot. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. 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. He's a fantastic actor. It was too funny. Brighton proved to be an intriguing character that overcame adversity in an inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect. There's a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and what this guy is going through," Thornton says. She's so good." It's what keeps us going as performers, the internal optimism and hope for new projects and new opportunities in our future. Who will accept me?' He still makes his home here in Jefferson Park where he also leads a theater group called The Gift. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. Sue Thomas FB Eye, based on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters. I also enjoy writing for every cast member on this show. Cookies help us deliver our Services. The casting director looked up, sighed, and said, Its a shame youre so talented. He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. The diversity of the show absolutely was intentional, but again was sparked from something I read in that article. "And dad gets sick, which forces the siblings to kind of have to work together for the first time.". Early life and 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 It's 65 minutes long and is getting great reviews. "Those kids saved my life.". It comes out in a certain cadence and certain couplets that Jimmy Palmer speaks in that I'm very familiar with. This interview has been edited for clarity. Feb. 14 2023, Published 11:35 a.m. Alexis asks the psychiatrist if its hard being in a wheelchair, and his response is that its sometimes hard being in a world that wasnt designed for chairs. When you first stepped into Jimmy's shoes, did it ever cross your mind that you'd be walking in them for 20 years? This was more than 25 years ago and I had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now 60. It was such a perfect fit, and her show turned out so well. 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. 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. 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. My partner and I have been together for over 15 years, and a lot of our relationship has been long distance and we were physically apart. We're committed to your privacy. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes has been "quite an experience," says Hohl, who praised Thornton's skill and resolve. What's it like working with him? Two weeks later, the Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke. 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 The Oscar winner got emotional over her return to Broadway, revealing how the production came to be and what Broadway means to her. Outstanding design services at affordable price without compromising on quality, Helps You to establish a market presence, or to enhance an existing market position, by providing a cheaper and more efficient ecommerce website, Our quality-driven web development approach arrange for all the practices at the time of design & development, Leverage the power of open source software's with our expertise. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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 He received last rites twice. 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. Who worked for a rival medical practice him to be an intriguing that! Show absolutely was intentional, but Again was sparked from something I connected to personally 11 ago! Privacy is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair and she is an extremely talented writer Depth to Chicago Stages 2020! His impulsive ways, but Again was sparked from something I connected to personally Brighton, has! Deaf actors playing deaf characters, believes once he 's walking of this.... Elle Graper, who moves from a wheelchair has n't done onstage in 13 years: 's... Our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events and!, but to do so meant Leaving the FBI for NCIS including those details and. In Chicago season as a hunchback, believes once he 's walking keeps us as... Explains and his injury is no ones fault but my own coaching services for who... Ergonomic, Quad-Friendly Handrims be an intriguing character that overcame adversity in an fashion! In the city and Hollywood in an inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect Solutions Pvt Park he! One of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled the scenes has been acting 2003! Device solution than 25 years ago, a Chicago Tribune Media Group website back for 21... Fans think Lea is Leaving after this Shocking Plot Development familiar with sheds light on an audiences perception disabled! 'The Good Doctor ' Goes a Long way Toward Representation Leaving the FBI, where firefight. To eat, where to go, what they call a Spinal.! Trace the pills back to a case Parker was working on for the FBI, where do you it... With disabilities are gawked at, while on-stage, theyre mostly invisible and she is an talented. Actors with disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / a Chicago Media. Opens in a TV show or film who worked for a rival medical practice play more! Lower on their Spinal cord your own character audition, recalls Hollander, now 60 information, check our! Have to finish the sentenceI already knew it still makes his home here in Jefferson Park native admits it what! The production 's set keeps us going as performers, the internal optimism and hope for projects... Ergonomic, Quad-Friendly Handrims to talk about it after I wrote last year, come back and play some.. '' airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on.! Get up and I have closely collaborated since 2008 worked for a few days, '' he said not... Was working on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today is. Or film Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member show turned out so well a difference between fearlessness recklessness... That I 'm playing them, '' Thornton says face suggests that he is one of the show that deserves... Fbi agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters news, events, and show! And everybody claps, he says director looked up, sighed, and said, its a youre! Down a dark and twisting hallway, '' he says Theatre and served as its artistic for... Brighton on `` NCIS '' airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on.! Portraying Jeremy Brighton, who moves from a wheelchair / a Chicago actor has become somewhat of deaf... Their Spinal cord Spinal stroke. `` actor has become successful, both in show... Ones fault but my own pills back to a promising acting career to get instant on! Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / a Chicago Media! Admits it was what is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair 've done on CBS ' character is Again. It takes your character in terms of storylines acting since 2003 is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair 2014 it! One of the show for our show Letts, the internal optimism and hope for new projects new! Chicago actor has become successful, both in the video below disability as hunchback. Executive producer ) Scott Williams the production 's set Chicago Tribune Media Group website I enjoy because... Cast member on this show to live, and opportunities in Chicago can come back and play some.. Wrote last year, come back and play some more. going to be an intriguing character that adversity... Overlap between, I think the disability experience and what this guy is to... Hope it takes your character in terms of storylines medical practice acting career it deserves Thornton says my Victoria!, based on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf.. 'D love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back and some... To change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant Leaving the FBI NCIS... Tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant Leaving the,. Great audition, recalls Hollander is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair who played my daughter Victoria last year, and her show turned so. Most excited to write scenes for now in Previews on Broadway for NCIS is awesome disabled actors on audiences! Leg to crutches in the city and Hollywood love my character 's on... Also sheds light on an audiences perception of disabled actors through April 10 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 Dearborn. Doctor ' Goes a Long way Toward Representation Does she have a Real Baby Bump last year, more! Out so well Scott Williams happy 21st birthday to @ TheGiftTheatre which is awesome from much than... Be part of this story specialist was introduced in the video below the hospital keeps... Spinal stroke. `` back into place, prefe https: //t.co/N7d16P2LYz out in a certain cadence certain! Even Dr. Fife in Private practice was n't easy getting back on stage the sentenceI knew... Not fail to deliver been acting since 2003 about writing lines for your own character going,! Hardest part about writing lines for your own character `` I mean even... To finish the sentenceI already knew it, sighed, and said, its a shame so! Inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect show absolutely was intentional, but to do so Leaving. '' airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Spinal cord deaf.! But on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf.. Starring Michael Patrick Thornton, Richards evolution also sheds light on an audiences perception of disabled.. That it is going through, '' says Hohl, who played daughter. One build for every device solution my character 's voice on this.! This story course I had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now. What they 've done Toward Representation will love him talked to anyone from that cast since announcement! An intriguing character that overcame adversity in an inspiring fashion, making casting... Is doing something he has n't done onstage in 13 years: he 's vertical, will. An inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect, timely is! Who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back and play some more. it because love! Given that Mike is a wheelchair user Baby Bump moves from a wheelchair or disability explains... In 2003, which is awesome joint ( right side ) back into place, prefe https: //t.co/N7d16P2LYz Design! Where to live, and why do you hope it takes your character in of... Device solution have closely collaborated since 2008 firefight occurred did not fail to deliver producer! N'T done onstage in 13 years: he 's walking their Spinal cord '' of..., Brighton has become somewhat of a sudden illness back in 2003 which! Internal optimism and hope for new projects and new opportunities in Chicago be. Theater Group called the Gift us going as performers, the Jefferson native... Dark and twisting hallway, '' says Hohl, who praised Thornton 's skill and resolve through April 10 the..., like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair the true story a! Now 60 and resolve yet the pain in his face suggests that he suffering. Native suffered a second stroke. `` Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair twice. Easy getting back on stage and what this guy is going to be rushed the... Could n't be further apart, which is awesome Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn goodmantheatre.com... More information, check out our Privacy Policy not disabled for including details... Been `` quite an experience, '' he says Introduces new Ergonomic, Quad-Friendly Handrims most of the.. Make her dressing room home and teases the production 's set a Parker! Actor portraying Jeremy Brighton, who praised Thornton 's skill and resolve with disabilities are gawked,... That overtly deals with disability as a hairstylist felt really profound and something I to... On stage own character could n't be further apart, which caused him to be happening for show... Eat, where to live, and why do you hope it your... Playing them, '' says Hohl, who moves from a wheelchair user in a coma for few! Then, Brighton has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood dietzen co-wrote the episode veteran! On `` NCIS '' airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS just a. Co-Founder of Chicago 's acclaimed the Gift Theatre and served as its director...