Kudos to Scrubs and Blair Williamson

While watching one of my favorite shows last night, I had the pleasure of viewing a young man in a guest role on the television show "Scrubs". The young man played a long-time patient of irascible Dr. Cox. The character's name was Craig, and he was played by Blair Williamson, a young actor and producer who just happens to have Down syndrome.

From Blair's imdb page:

Blair Williamson was born with Down syndrome weighing 3 lbs. 6 oz. He had 9 surgeries by the time he was 5 years old and didn't walk until he was nearly 4 years old. By the time he was a healthy 10 year old he was running 400 meters for Special Olympics. His ability to run got him a lead role in a national commercial for Procter and Gamble in 1990.

Blair has been running to jobs ever since. He guest starred on "The Guardian," co-starred on "ER" and he has been murdered on "CSI" and had his nose done on "nip/tuck." His film credits include a co-star role on USA's "My Antonia," as well as many independent features and shorts. Blair is most proud of his work on the feature film "Unknown," to be released in 2006, where he plays the janitor. The role was physical and demanding.

Blair is an original member of the "Born To Act Players" an integrated acting troupe of actors with and without disabilities in Los Angeles California. He attributes much of his success to the support and training he has received from instructor Mary Rings and his private coach David Zimmerman. Blair also Power Lifts with Special Olympics, attends the A.R.C. Adult Day Program where he plays in their chime choir, lives at home with his very cool parents Tommie and Gail Williamson and most importantly is the boy friend of Miss Susie Schallert.

The role of doctor Cox is played by John C. McGinley, who's real life son has Down syndrome. In Hollywood, too often the roles of those with disabilities are played by those without. Not to take away from some brilliant performances that have been made, but many of those roles could have gone to actors with disabilities just as easily.

So Kudos go to Blair Williamson for making inroads for other up and coming actors with differences, and Kudos to Scrubs, for putting him in a heartwarming and humorous scenes. I hope we see more of Blair on screen soon!