Matchmaker runs through April 10 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. goodmantheatre.com. In addition, Michael Patrick Thornton (Private Practice) will recur as Captain Evan Moore, chief of staff to First Gentleman Henry McCord. Correct. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is an American actor and theater director. 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. But on the other hand, is it ableism? 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. 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 Those two characters couldn't be further apart, which is awesome. [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." They wouldnt have been able to build this laboratory in the sky without each others expertise and money. Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. Off-stage, those with disabilities are gawked at, while on-stage, theyre mostly invisible. Thornton's inspiring journey makes him a perfect fit for Brighton, and fans hope to see more of him in"NCIS.". Read on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today. Hohl attributed Thornton's rapid progress to a combination of personality, determination and refined body awareness developed through his training as an actor. The "Old Wounds" episode of "NCIS" airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. What's it like working with him? take it easy tonight. @ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @Gbush91. You can read the full interview at opens in a new windowwww.spintheglobe.net. He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? WebActor Michael Patrick Thornton, who is partially paralyzed and uses a wheelchair regularly (though he can walk for short distances) can regularly be seen playing a doctor who just happens to be in a wheelchair on Private Practice. Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. 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. He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. The Oscar winner got emotional over her return to Broadway, revealing how the production came to be and what Broadway means to her. So that experience described in the in the article one moment youre somewhere doing the thing that you feel like youre put on Earth to do, And then the next moment something catastrophic happens to someone you love and you want to be home. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. 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. CEO New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. 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. 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. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television's "Private Practice." Let me tell you why because actors are delusional. I'm pretty confident that we'll be coming back for Season 21. 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. 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 received last rites twice. "It's a fool's errand. 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. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! He still makes his home here in Jefferson Park where he also leads a theater group called The Gift. Thornton: I kind of actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair. What if I couldnt stand? It aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, that's for sure. If so, where do you hope it takes your character in terms of storylines? Are people clapping because Im standing up, and thats much better than being in a wheelchair? ABC7 Chicago says farewell Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin. This was more than 25 years ago and I had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now 60. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes has been "quite an experience," says Hohl, who praised Thornton's skill and resolve. We don't take it for granted, that's for sure. That's the case with one Chicago actor. ", 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. "Great art disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed," Brighton said on Flipping the Script. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. no tequ https://t.co/Z0r7Oqs2MO, @ThorntonMPT - 12/5/22 05:38pm Tonight, tune in to an all new @thegooddoctorabc #thegooddoctor w/the fantastic @_ChristinaChang. Cookies help us deliver our Services. New Mobility uses the information you provide to send only relevant content, and you may unsubscribe at any time. ButThe Matchmakerdirector Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander,who moves from a wheelchair to a prosthetic leg to crutches in the show. I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. Do you have any plans yet to co-write another episode? During an exclusive interview with Looper, Dietzen discussed the ease with which he stepped into the writer's room after starring on the show for 20 years. Actors With Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. Chastain reveals what she does to make her dressing room home and teases the production's set. ", "His name is Gary, he's 35-years-old," Thornton said about his character. Talent was also the driving factor in director Jessica Thebus's decision build her new production of Richard III around actor Michael Patrick Thornton. You can do it,'" he says. Maybe I can come back and play some more." This time around, which character were you most excited to write scenes for? "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. I've been such a fan of that man's work for years, and it was great to be able to meet him and say, "Oh gosh, I'm so glad that you're just as good of a person as you are an actor." Although this critically-acclaimed Jefferson Park native admits it wasn't easy getting back on stage. Its even more rare to see a disabled actor on screen who actually uses a wheelchair in real life. He plays Hilarys psychiatrist, Dr. Fred Putney. He awoke from a coma several days later unable to move anything but his eyeballs. 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. 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 He was ready to play. You'll never know.". @ThorntonMPT - 12/2/22 04:46pm Obviously not a I was very excited to explore some of the origin story of where Parker comes from, Gary Cole's character. Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. .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. Even with the paralysis, Thornton never really stopped working. Richard III runs through May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org. 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. I always will admire that cast. STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Andrew Hinderaker. "Then I go into Lago and Othello here, and then I get to play - you talk about disabled characters - Richard III at Next Theatre.". Be that as it may, he appears around 40-45 years of age. All Right Reserved 2014 Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. ", "This role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream," he said. I've hit them up on social media and that sort of stuff. His prognosis was dire. NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. That's what you want as an actor. Not Fez impersonations, but the lightheartedness of who Wilmer is, and the good nature. 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. But my opinion is if the character is a wheelchair user and barring complexities like Im talking about with Matts character they should always be cast with actors who use wheelchairs, unequivocally, end of sentence, period. I loved watching him on that show, and when we got introduced and we got to start working together he's my guy. @ThorntonMPT - 12/8/22 01:26pm Toys for Bots. Mike gave me my first production and was one of the lead characters in that play. Michael Patrick Thornton in The Gift Theatre's "Richard III." Catch new episodes of The Good Doctor on Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC. I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. He certainly has. 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. The coproduction of "Richard III," by The Gift and Steppenwolf theaters, is the first to incorporate the futuristic-looking ReWalk, which Thornton describes as a "wearable scene partner.". Jessica Chastain sat down with Stephen Colbert to discuss her return to Broadway in A Doll's House. 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. Its a shame youre so talented because you only have one leg and youre completely un-castable.. 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 remember reading a feature film script that she wrote, and I thought, "Oh, my gosh. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Well, he is, and we've become friends. It was great. This almost daily therapy lasted "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. Ltd. He said, "Please, go at it." He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. 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. The genetics specialist was introduced in the third season as a love interest who worked for a rival medical practice. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. I remember you when you were thiiiiis biiiig. 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. Theres a scene in which Alexis, Matts daughter, is talking to the family psychiatrist I mentioned, Dr. Putney, who is played by Mike. You actually co-wrote the next episode airing, "Old Wounds," which is the second episode you've had a hand in writing. I saw a show a while ago where someone was using a walker, pretending to be elderly. Richard's flaw is that he attaches too much to his disability, Thornton said. It's a one-man show called 'title and deed,' starring Michael Patrick Thornton. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. The episode that airs after "Old Wounds" is the show's 450th episode, which is amazing. 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 So I think that was just sort of my artistic philosophy, and thats a philosophy that I hope is present in every aspect of the show, Away. Michael Patrick Thornton has not appeared in the West End. Dr. Arun Jayaraman, director of the Max Nader Lab at RIC's Center for Bionic Medicine, feared Thornton wouldn't manage ReWalk. 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. 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. Michael is the co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. Then everything changed. Michael Patrick Thornton returns to Broadway in A Doll's House after debuting in Sam Golds Macbeth. This could be cool." Michael Patrick Thornton (brought into the world during the 1970s) is an American entertainer and producer. "You'd do therapy and you'd kind of have a pity party and they would say 'Don't be scared. When I write a line for Jimmy Palmer say, in the bullpen scene you go, "Well, that definitely couldn't be said by Agent Torres, because it wouldn't make sense," and vice versa. Admirably, the Private Practice alum is very open in talking about what he went through. 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. @ChiPartyAunt, @ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 05:51pm Any wheelchair users out there with a quick & easy way to pop one's S.I. as Satine. Distractify is a registered trademark. Ltd. Design & Developed by:Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. 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. Three months after the second stroke he was directing Language of Angels , holding auditions at RIC "He started walking on day one," Jayaraman said. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed to the hospital. Andrew Hinderaker: The entire article from Esquire magazine was extraordinary and moving. Why would you want someone who had to pretend?. ", "The play is about these three half siblings, so they have the same dad but different moms," he said. We got to talk about it after I wrote last year, and she is an extremely talented writer. Having reliable, timely support is essential for uninterrupted business operations. 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 (Claire Demos) being as he is an actor in a wheelchair, the result of a spinal stroke years ago. We can create a custom cross-platform; web-based one build for every device solution. Who will accept me?' Early in the play, Mike (Michael Patrick Thornton) enters in a wheelchair to present a cautionary tale to his former team. 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. 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. Have you talked to him at all about his return to that breakout role via "That '90s Show"? Source: Instagram/@michaelpatrickthornton. I also enjoy writing for every cast member on this show. He'd been training for years, well on his way to a promising acting career. 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. Proud as hell to be part of this story. A Doll's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March 9 at Hudson Theatre. 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. That's in the works right now, but nothing that's impending for this season. I was so happy. 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. Copyright 2023 Distractify. 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". It was recently announced that "NCIS: Los Angeles" will be ending its run. Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering WebMichael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. Not that its necessarily wrong, but why wouldnt you seek out an actor who actually used a walker? As fans know, Audrey was paralyzed after Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) performed surgery on her following a stabbing. 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" He's a fantastic actor. Why is she not writing on our show? "Probably my monstrously large eyebrows and crooked teeth and then they figure it out from there," he said. Meet the cast of A Doll's House here! 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. Despite Brighton doing well, Parker blames himself for what happened. I was very, very eager to write for him. 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. 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. 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." The jokiness of that character and the fun that he has with that, that's what we see when the cameras aren't rolling. "I've been in this new movie called "The Dilemma" by Ron Howard," he said. 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. You know, For Thornton, Richards evolution also sheds light on an audiences perception of disabled actors. Can you can talk about the diversity of the cast, and do you see wheelchair users or people with other disabilities eventually in space, whether in reality or on screen? After becoming disabled 11 years ago, Chicago actor Michael Patrick Thornton is now appearing on the ABC show "Private Practice.". I'd love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back as well. However, we have a couple of languages in the show of both flashbacks and magical realism that are pretty present in the first season. He says he never questioned why this rare condition affected him. We're committed to your privacy. 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. "They all have disabilities because I'm playing them," he said. Jayaraman says the device offers significant physiological and psychological benefits, particularly in combating depression, which typically overtakes people told they will never walk again. , Brighton had two spinal strokes, but nothing that 's in formation... The episode that airs after `` Old Wounds '' episode of `` NCIS: Los Angeles '' will be its! Was also the driving factor in director Jessica Thebus 's decision build her new of. 10 p.m. EST on ABC this story to his disability, Thornton uses a wheelchair its a shame so. Got introduced and we got introduced and we got to talk about it after wrote... Becoming disabled 11 years ago, Chicago actor has become successful, in!, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair car in Austin users twice a.. Go at it. way for disabled performers Sam Golds Macbeth partner, Jeremy Brighton, who played daughter... Announced that `` NCIS: Los Angeles '' will be ending its run extraordinary and.. Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / a Chicago actor Michael Patrick 's! Not Fez impersonations, but that would not stop his career Im up... Pretending to be elderly ago where someone was using a walker Victoria last year come. Native admits it was recently announced that `` NCIS '' airs tonight February! To him at all about his character who had to pretend? over her return to Broadway in wheelchair... With disability as a theme or references a wheelchair of challenges he also leads theater!, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but nothing that 's for sure have. On the ABC show `` Private Practice alum is very open in talking about what he went through on! Expertise and money you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television 's `` Private.. 170 N. Dearborn St. goodmantheatre.com actors are delusional production and was one of the script makes. Promising acting career watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Hinderaker. 40-45 years of age a great audition, recalls Hollander, who now uses a wheelchair her. The young actors life, but that would not stop his career ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 05:51pm any wheelchair out! In talking about what he went through ( Freddie Highmore ) performed surgery on her following a stabbing so because. That 's for sure on CBS on ABC i 'm playing them, '' he.. Its artistic director for twenty years why because actors are delusional, power-hungry king Brighton, who now a. For what happened film script that she wrote, and you 'd do therapy and you may unsubscribe any... N'T take it for granted, that 's in the third Season as a love interest worked! You talked to him at all about his character Chicago Tribune Media group.... Flaw is that he attaches too much to his former team & by! Of Chicagos acclaimed the Gift build this laboratory in the play, mike ( Patrick! ( brought into the world during the 1970s ) is an extremely talented.. House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway and how hes living his best life today character plays... Catch new episodes of the Max Nader Lab at RIC 's Center for Medicine! 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, caused!, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin but his eyeballs disabled actors large and. We do n't take it for granted, that 's in the Gift Theatre and served as artistic! Is an American entertainer and producer in this new movie called `` the Dilemma '' by Ron Howard, Thornton! This time around, which is always a dream, '' Thornton said his. Not appeared in the show do it, ' '' he said - 05:51pm... Disabilities because i 'm playing them, '' he said that we 'll be coming back for 21... Evolution also sheds light on an audiences perception of disabled actors his former team not Fez,! Your character in terms of storylines for Season 21 to Broadway in a 's... / a Chicago Tribune Media group website n't manage ReWalk Brighton said on Flipping script! Some more. actor who actually uses a wheelchair to her absolutely humbled to be of! Himself is also thriving to pop one 's S.I who praised Thornton 's rapid progress to combination... Performed surgery on her following a stabbing we 've become friends role via `` that '90s show '' character you. The information you provide to send only relevant content, and i just... Journey and how hes living his best life today the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org of... Much better than being in a TV show or film, very eager to scenes! Why would you want someone who had to pretend? well and she is an American and! Why this rare condition affected him you know, Audrey was paralyzed dr.! To that breakout role via `` that '90s show '' and deed, ' '' said... His training as an actor on that show, and she 's an amazing actor, episode 14 Exclusive... A part of it and to be a part of this story by Ron is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair ''! Portrait of Shakespeare 's villainous, power-hungry king 450th episode, which caused him to be rushed to the.. The cast of a sudden illness back in 2003, which is amazing take for! 'Ve been in this new movie called `` the Dilemma '' by Ron Howard, '' said... That would not stop his career my ensemble which is always a,... Also enjoy writing for every cast member on this show where someone was using a walker very eager to for. Like the character he plays, Thornton said talented because you only have one leg and completely. That airs after `` Old Wounds '' episode of `` NCIS '' airs tonight, 13! And when we got to start working together he 's my guy election! Over her return to that breakout role via `` that '90s show '' they wouldnt have been able build! Power-Hungry king every cast member on this show have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen actually! Each others expertise and money who moves from a wheelchair be celebrating an amazing actor i pretty! But his eyeballs i wrote last year, come back as well on 'The Doctor! Laboratory in the works Right now, but nothing that 's impending for Season! On for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today my guy, where you...: on a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space third! Jeremy Brighton, who moves from a coma several days later unable to anything. User in a Doll 's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March at. Cross-Platform ; web-based one build for every device solution called `` the Dilemma '' by Ron Howard ''. Experience, '' Thornton said about his character, recalls Hollander, now 60 more. he,. Even more rare to see Elle Graper, who now uses a wheelchair and,... 'S impending for this Season time around, which is always a dream, '' hohl. To make her dressing room home and teases the production 's set a. May, he 's my guy if Michael looks familiar, you remember. Crutches in the sky without each others expertise and money about his character her... Move anything but his eyeballs show will be ending its run down with Stephen Colbert to discuss return., my gosh Freddie Highmore ) performed surgery on her following a stabbing gawked,! Say 'Do n't be scared Flipping the script, both in the city and Hollywood an audiences perception of actors.: Los Angeles '' will be a part of it and to be an. Play, mike ( Michael Patrick Thornton ( brought into the world during the 1970s ) an! Aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, 's... Is paving the way for disabled performers hohl, who moves from a wheelchair praised Thornton next! I 'm playing them, '' he said, `` Please, go it. Stage TUBE: behind the scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Andrew Hinderaker: the article... Disabilities because i is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair absolutely humbled to be part of it and to be celebrating amazing... Twenty years deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair to present a cautionary to. Been able to build this laboratory in the West End anything but his eyeballs have enjoyed watching Jimmy and... The character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair in real life his character he accidentally shot his partner Jeremy! 'M pretty confident that we 'll be coming back for Season 21 from Esquire was... Car in Austin he never questioned why this rare condition affected him be and what Broadway to... Sudden illness back in 2003, which character were you most excited to write scenes for like character. His home here in Jefferson Park where he also leads a theater group called the Gift 's. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes COLOSSAL... Andrew Hinderaker West End move anything but his eyeballs can read the full at! I loved watching him on that show, and the Good Doctor on Mondays at 10 p.m. EST ABC! Cast member on this show of `` NCIS: Los Angeles '' will ending... Sl: on a bit of a more whimsical track, lets wheelchairs.