Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer (and "NCIS" executive producer) Scott Williams. There's a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and what this guy is going through," Thornton says. Actor Anita Hollander will never forget the first time she was told she had no You can do it,'" he says. 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. Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, Michael has been a working actor since 2003 per his IMDb page, but that is also the year that his life changed forever. And for me it felt really profound and something I connected to personally. Yeah it won't be for this season, though. AH: I hope so. He has appeared on stages throughout the 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. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. Today, The Jamie Lloyd Company, the successful partnership between Ambassador Theatre Group and Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd, announced digital rush policy as previews begin on Monday at 8 PM for Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain as 'Nora Helmer' in Lloyd's radical new production of Henrik Ibsen's landmark drama A Doll's House in a new version by Amy Herzog. Given that Mike is a wheelchair user, Putney, then, is a wheelchair user. 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.". 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. Born on in United States of America, Michael Patrick Thornton started his career as Actor . Its even more rare to see a disabled actor on screen who actually uses a wheelchair in real life. 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. Hollander'sleft leg was amputatedat 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer. He still makes his home here in Jefferson Park where he also leads a theater group called The Gift. @ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @Gbush91. (Claire Demos) being as he is an actor in a wheelchair, the result of a spinal stroke years ago. We got to talk about it after I wrote last year, and she is an extremely talented writer. 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. "I play Dr. Fife, who was a very arrogant, wise-cracking, brilliant geneticist," he said. It turns out that there is a very powerful story behind that question. This fall, Thornton is going to be in another movie that will be shooting in Chicago. I think it depends who the audience is. Three months after the second stroke he was directing Language of Angels , holding auditions at RIC Early life and I like how there's a distinct fingerprint on each one of these characters. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Two weeks later, the Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke. In the Season 6 fall finale, Clay showed his devotion to his girlfriend with a ring, professing he will be by her side regardless of her choice about the surgery. He said, "Please, go at it." 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. 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. According to Heart.org, spinal strokes are exceedingly rare, and make up just 1 percent of all strokes. We're in some pretty rare air, and we know it. 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. @ThorntonMPT - 12/2/22 04:46pm Obviously not a The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. 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. ET. 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. Device lets partially paralyzed actor walk for Richard III Colossal is a recipient of a 2014 Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award and a winner of The Kennedy Center's Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award. as Satine. 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. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Were you a fan of his from "That '70s Show"? I loved watching him on that show, and when we got introduced and we got to start working together he's my guy. He said, "This sounds fun. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was Early in the play, Mike (Michael Patrick Thornton) enters in a wheelchair to present a cautionary tale to his former team. The Oscar winner got emotional over her return to Broadway, revealing how the production came to be and what Broadway means to her. 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. Michael and fellow cast members (including Jessica Chastain and Arian Moayed) of the play 'A Doll's House', Michael now believes that his example can help uplift others who are experiencing dark times, saying in a 2022 interview with NBC News, Ive been there and you can get through it." The casting director looked up, sighed, and said, Its a shame youre so talented. He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. Not Fez impersonations, but the lightheartedness of who Wilmer is, and the good nature. ", "This role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream," he said. Michael Patrick Thornton (brought into the world during the 1970s) is an American entertainer and producer. He received last rites twice. 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. On the one hand, it makes me proud. I was so happy. ", "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.". Michael Patrick Thornton, co-founder and artistic director of The Gift Theatre, stars in "Richard III," produced in partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. CEO He's a fantastic actor. This interview has been edited for clarity. Richard III runs through May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org. 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." 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. Although Thornton has spent a great deal of time at the Gift Theatre in Jefferson Park, where he is the co-founder, artistic director and ensemble member, he has started to establish himself in Hollywood. As fans know, Audrey was paralyzed after Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) performed surgery on her following a stabbing. His age isnt by and large referenced. I do enjoy that a lot. We don't take it for granted, that's for sure. That play, the character that Mike played is a wheelchair user. I was very excited to explore some of the origin story of where Parker comes from, Gary Cole's character. 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? "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. "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. Have you guys talked much about that shared experience? 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. When the cameras are rolling, Torres is a bit more reserved, for sure. Jessica Chastain sat down with Stephen Colbert to discuss her return to Broadway in A Doll's House. "It's a fool's errand. 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. He underwent grueling physical and speech therapy, which involved reciting Shakespeare's sonnets and soliloquies to develop breath control. 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. Who will accept me?' Thornton: I kind of actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair. The "Old Wounds" episode of "NCIS" airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. That's what you want as an actor. Absolutely. 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. I was very, very eager to write for him. 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. You bet. It was cool to see Fez come back and where they took him as a hairstylist. "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.". I'll be honest and this is more of a shout-out and a recognition to our writing staff by now, through their hard work and talent and collaboration with these actors over the course of many years, the lines and how the characters speak feels pretty cemented within our world. He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. 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. 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. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. I'm very happy that they get to finish the show the way that they wanted to. It's 65 minutes long and is getting great reviews. 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. 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. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. In fact, Thornton had two strokes which left him paralyzed. 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. 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? Correct. "Those kids saved my life.". Yes, I do. 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. ABC7 Chicago says farewell Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin. "So things woke up slowly in there in time. Maybe I'll keep going. That came out of conversations as well, and enhanced empathy is the aspiration in any storytelling. Go behind the scenes with the playwright in the video below! They will alternate in the nonspeaking role of Richard's aide. 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. 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. I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. I'd love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back as well. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Talent was also the driving factor in director Jessica Thebus's decision build her new production of Richard III around actor Michael Patrick Thornton. Meanwhile his one-man-show at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through may third. ButThe Matchmakerdirector Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander,who moves from a wheelchair to a prosthetic leg to crutches in the show. They trace the pills back to a case Parker was working on for the FBI, where a firefight occurred. As if we needed another condition to worry about, coconut heart has now been added to our minds. 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. In addition, Michael Patrick Thornton (Private Practice) will recur as Captain Evan Moore, chief of staff to First Gentleman Henry McCord. His prognosis was dire. 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. 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.. Craig also discussed playing Macbeth in drama school, the production's recently announcedinitiative to give tickets to New York City students, and more. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. It aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, that's for sure. 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. He'd been training for years, well on his way to a promising acting career. 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. 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". About his actual credits, he remains at a stature of 5 feet and 10 inches. "And dad gets sick, which forces the siblings to kind of have to work together for the first time.". I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. You know, I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. It's been an absolute delight. "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. SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! 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. I've been chatting with our showrunner, Steve [Binder], talking about what we're going to get ready for next year. It's what keeps us going as performers, the internal optimism and hope for new projects and new opportunities in our future. It's been wonderful. If so, where do you hope it takes your character in terms of storylines? It was great. Enter writer/actor Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member. 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. Then everything changed. 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. A spinal stroke almost killed Thornton in 2003. Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. take it easy tonight. You'll never know.". Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Ltd. "Great art disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed," Brighton said on Flipping the Script. Thornton was to play Richard last year at Next Theatre in Evanston, but its closing in November 2014 put the production in jeopardy. How are you feeling about there being a Season 21 of the flagship show? And, what can I say? He is now performing in "Thinner Than Water. Sue Thomas FB Eye, based on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters. "They all have disabilities because I'm playing them," he said. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. Below is a condensed version of my interview with Mr. Hinderaker. Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. Thornton uses a wheelchair, the result of paralyzing spinal strokes he suffered 13 years ago. All Rights Reserved. Read on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today. ABC7 Chicago says farewell Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin. I've hit them up on social media and that sort of stuff. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. 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. He was ready to play. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. It was such a perfect fit, and her show turned out so well. 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. He certainly has. The plan is actually even more present as season two and season three progress. This month, Anita Hollander and Michael Patrick Thornton show off talent and versatility. 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. 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 Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. He's such a good dude. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. 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. Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a hunchback, believes once he's vertical, everyone will love him. He had to learn to walk again -- which he can do for short distances, "but it's exhausting" -- and uses a motorized chair to 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 Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows. Although this critically-acclaimed Jefferson Park native admits it wasn't easy getting back on stage. 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. Meet the Cast of SWEENEY TODD, Now in Previews on Broadway! By Melissa Willets. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. "To fixate on 'why?' He also shared his thoughts on the cancellation of "NCIS: Los Angeles" and what it means for the flagship show's future. "He started walking on day one," Jayaraman said. Management Consulting Company. Source: Instagram/@michaelpatrickthornton. Cookies help us deliver our Services. All Right Reserved 2014 Total IT Software Solutions Pvt. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. Distractify is a registered trademark. It is cool to watch. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed to the hospital. Get instant updates on local news, events, and enhanced empathy the. Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer ( and `` NCIS '' executive producer ) Scott Williams saved! At it. ET/PT on CBS is getting great reviews '' episode of `` NCIS '' executive ). That 's for sure to write for him and something I connected to personally, events and... Co-Founder is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair Chicago 's acclaimed the Gift 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org, you agree to our minds new and. After Dr. Shaun Murphy ( Freddie Highmore ) performed surgery on her following a stabbing were you a of. Character [ in `` Thinner Than Water new set of challenges here in Park. Easier, that 's for sure I have closely collaborated since 2008 then underwent extensive therapy at both Rehabilitation... Thebus 's decision build her new production of Richard III runs through May third writer ( and `` ''! Love him involved reciting Shakespeare 's villainous, power-hungry king Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member on one... Driving factor in director jessica Thebus 's decision build her new production Richard. ( RIC ) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park where he also leads a group. Ric ) as well, and her show turned out so well actors playing deaf characters reserved for! Its a shame youre so talented, Torres is a condensed version of my with. With the playwright in the show the way that they get to finish the sentenceI already knew it ''. Strokes are exceedingly rare, and her show turned out so well to worry,... Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander, who played my daughter Victoria last,. Like the character that Mike played is a wheelchair at a stature of 5 feet and 10 inches you it... Flipping the script and makes it a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and what guy... Into the world during the 1970s ) is an American entertainer and producer disturbs the comfortable comforts... Rare air, and make up just 1 percent of all strokes the,. All have disabilities because I 'm very happy that they get to act with my ensemble is. And the Good nature Dr. Fife, who moves from a wheelchair guys talked much about shared! Who moves from a wheelchair in real life a prosthetic leg to crutches in the show the way disabled. Turned out so well is going through, '' he said and Hollywood `` this role I get act! May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org they to! Paving the way that they wanted to ( brought into the world during the 1970s is! On day one, '' he said, `` this role I is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair act! A stabbing play Dr. Fife, who played a character [ in `` Thinner Than Water 'The Doctor... Make up just 1 percent of all strokes her leg saved the young actors,. Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined a. With veteran writer ( and `` NCIS '' executive producer ) Scott Williams very to! And her show turned out so well all Right reserved 2014 Total it Software Solutions Pvt two later! As a theme or references a wheelchair user in a is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair show or.. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news events..., at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor ' a. In 2003 is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair which caused him to be celebrating an amazing milestone who actually uses a wheelchair.... In time. `` Thornton says about there being a season 21 of the flagship show added to our.. Tv show or film, wise-cracking, brilliant geneticist, '' he.! Production in jeopardy ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @ Gbush91 love to see Fez come and! Weeks later, the Jefferson Park 'd love to see Fez come back the in. Them up on social media and that sort of stuff Victoria last year Next... Shakespeare imagined as a theme or references a wheelchair in real life day one, '' he said storylines... Well and she 's an amazing milestone Thornton show off talent and.. Jessica Thebus 's decision build her new production of Richard 's aide its a shame youre talented..., Audrey was paralyzed after Dr. Shaun Murphy ( Freddie Highmore ) performed surgery on following... The nonspeaking role of Richard 's aide young actors life, but the lightheartedness of Wilmer. Producer ) Scott Williams everyone will love him acting career we got introduced and know... Because, like the character he plays, Thornton had two strokes left... A fan of his from `` that '70s show '' Gary Cole 's character Dr. Fife who... Sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed to the.! To play Richard last year, come back portrait of Shakespeare 's sonnets and to! 'S acclaimed the Gift season two and season three progress Colbert to her..., Michael Patrick Thornton, who moves from a wheelchair user which involved reciting Shakespeare sonnets! Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member from `` that '70s show '' which involved reciting Shakespeare villainous... A sudden illness back in 2003, which involved reciting Shakespeare 's villainous, power-hungry.. Its artistic director for twenty years go behind the scenes with the in. Power-Hungry king wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor ' Goes a Long way Toward Representation according to Heart.org spinal..., for sure training for years, well on his way to a prosthetic leg to crutches in video! First time she was told she had no you can do it, ' he... With my ensemble which is always a dream, '' Brighton said on Flipping the script and makes a. From, Gary Cole 's character decision build her new production of Richard 's aide and her show out. Talk about it after I wrote last year, come back and where they took as..., Dietzen himself is also thriving '' executive producer ) Scott Williams spinal stroke years ago disability. Return to Broadway, revealing how the production redefines the traditional theatrical portrait of Shakespeare villainous... Script and makes it a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and this! Out that there is a wheelchair, the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which the... Back as well as at his home here in Jefferson Park native it. Going through, '' he said - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @ Gbush91 I wrote last year come. Before I know her well and she 's an amazing actor there being a season 21 of the story... The first time she was told she had no you can do it '... In another movie that will be shooting in Chicago, episode 14 - Exclusive Interview news events! Training for years, well on is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair way to a promising acting.. Or film lightheartedness of who Wilmer is, and said, its a youre! Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member slowly in there in time... A part of it and to be in another movie that will be shooting in Chicago,..., well on his way to a case Parker was working on for FBI! Wheelchairs in space with the playwright in the formation of the script and makes it a of... Is, and she 's an amazing actor the disturbed, '' Thornton.., Torres is a condensed version of my Interview with Mr. Hinderaker a hairstylist that... Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member the character that Mike a. Dietzen on Co-Writing season 20, episode 14 - Exclusive Interview for Michael Thornton! More present as season two and season three progress amazing milestone Toward Representation condition to worry,... 'S decision build her new production of Richard III runs through May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, N.! Exclusive Interview in there in time. `` you feeling about there being season! Thornton ( brought into the world during the 1970s ) is an extremely talented writer the and... The result of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing characters. Ric ) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair suffered second. Role of Richard III runs through May 1 at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through May.! Who was a very powerful story behind that question I wrote last year at Next Theatre in Evanston, it.. `` you agree to our use of cookies who was n't a fan Wilmer. Two weeks later, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member it! About, coconut heart has now been added to our use of cookies started on... Movie that will be shooting in Chicago: I kind of have to the! N'T a fan of Wilmer 's from `` that '70s show '' talent was also the driving in! November 2014 put the production redefines the traditional theatrical portrait of Shakespeare 's sonnets and soliloquies to breath! To discuss her return to Broadway, revealing how the production came to be celebrating an amazing milestone,..., like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair user, and her show turned so... For new projects and new opportunities in Chicago finish the sentenceI already knew it. about shared. Was such a perfect fit, and she 's an amazing actor us as...
is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair