SL: One of the main characters, Matt Logan, played by Josh Charles, unexpectedly becomes a wheelchair user early in the season. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. Michael Patrick Thornton (brought into the world during the 1970s) is an American entertainer and producer. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so 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. 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. For the first time since spinal strokes left him partially Something special is happening here at Chicago's Lookingglass theatre. But on the other hand, is it ableism? 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" It's been an absolute delight. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. How did these events combine in your mind to create what we see now in Away? 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. 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. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. Those two characters couldn't be further apart, which is awesome. This fall, Thornton is going to be in another movie that will be shooting in Chicago. "Great art disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed," Brighton said on Flipping the Script. 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. I'm pretty confident that we'll be coming back for Season 21. I'd love to see a continuance of the family that we have here at "NCIS," seeing what they get into next and seeing what the next natural progressions are with Knight and Jimmy. Do you have any plans yet to co-write another episode? Thornton's inspiring journey makes him a perfect fit for Brighton, and fans hope to see more of him in"NCIS.". 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.. 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. Michael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Opening night is Monday, December 5. 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? 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. It's about a man trying to find his way in the world. That's what you want as an actor. I'd love to see Elle 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. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Cookies help us deliver our Services. I just thought that it was so profoundly moving to read about Scott and his trying to negotiate that moment from a distance. He has a recurring role in ABC's "Private Practice". AH: Thats the aspiration. 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. "They ended up thinking that it was what they call a spinal stroke.". ", "This role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream," he said. AH: I love this question so much. He plays Hilarys psychiatrist, Dr. Fred Putney. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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." He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. 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. Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. Most people using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord. 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. 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. 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. 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 New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. I was fortunate enough to be granted an interview with opens in a new windowAndrew Hinderaker, the visionary creator behind opens in a new windowAway. The "Old Wounds" episode of "NCIS" airs tonight, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. 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. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? 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. Co-founder of Chicagos acclaimed the Gift Theatre, Thornton notably appeared in their productions of Doubt and Richard III (King Richard) both at Steppenwolf, as well as Othello (Iago) and the Barrow Street Theatricals Off-Broadway Production, 2018. Craig also discussed playing Macbeth in drama school, the production's recently announcedinitiative to give tickets to New York City students, and more. Its even more rare to see a disabled actor on screen who actually uses a wheelchair in real life. Let's get that out of the way. He said, "This sounds fun. Source: Instagram/@michaelpatrickthornton. "Then I go into Lago and Othello here, and then I get to play - you talk about disabled characters - Richard III at Next Theatre.". They were able to give the proper sendoff to the show that it deserves. Fez and Torres are two totally different characters. Michael, as an actor who has suffered paralysis, how does your own condition inform your decision to play a role like this or your performance here? So it was vital that this show embody that. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Thornton: I kind of actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was involved in theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24. I get up and I walk, and everybody claps, he says. 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. Much like meeting Gary Cole, I was like, "I hope he's a good dude in real life." We have a full Biography, Photos, Theatre Credits, and more! It's gift to be here.". Thornton uses a wheelchair, the result of paralyzing spinal strokes he suffered 13 years ago. Why would you want someone who had to pretend?. 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. "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. "And dad gets sick, which forces the siblings to kind of have to work together for the first time.". Check out new photos of the theatre marquee! "I was on life support within about 30 minutes, was in a coma for a few days, Michael confided, adding, "They ended up thinking that it was what they call a spinal stroke.". 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? 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. 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. That's in the works right now, but nothing that's impending for this season. Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows. He has also significantly contributed to the world of theater, becoming the first partially paralyzed person to use an exoskeleton on stage in a production of "Richard III". Actor 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. Absolutely. The diversity of the show absolutely was intentional, but again was sparked from something I read in that article. It was too funny. Because in addition to focusing on Scott Kelly, it also talks about the International Space Station itself, and its rather improbable alliance between all of these countries that might not normally get along and came together because they had to. By Melissa Willets. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. I remember reading a feature film script that she wrote, and I thought, "Oh, my gosh. We're in some pretty rare air, and we know it. @ThorntonMPT - 12/2/22 04:46pm Obviously not a They wouldnt have been able to build this laboratory in the sky without each others expertise and money. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. You can do it,'" he says. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? Below is a condensed version of my interview with Mr. Hinderaker. "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. WebSearching to find out more about Michael Patrick Thornton? He's such a good dude. She's so good." Admirably, the Private Practice alum is very open in talking about what he went through. Given that Mike is a wheelchair user, Putney, then, is a wheelchair user. I saw a show a while ago where someone was using a walker, pretending to be elderly. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant leaving the FBI for NCIS. Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer (and "NCIS" executive producer) Scott Williams. He certainly has. Are people clapping because Im standing up, and thats much better than being in a wheelchair? I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. ", "His name is Gary, he's 35-years-old," Thornton said about his character. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. But that near-death experience actually allowed him to reflect on his life and his true passion. I'll be a series regular, and I'll have this and that." Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. That play kind of launched my career, and I went to New York. It was recently announced that "NCIS: Los Angeles" will be ending its run. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. leads you down a dark and twisting hallway," he said. It was such a perfect fit, and her show turned out so well. As Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Brian Dietzen has been with "NCIS" since the show's inception, having started as a guest star in 2003 before eventually moving up to the main cast in Season 10. Thornton was to play Richard last year at Next Theatre in Evanston, but its closing in November 2014 put the production in jeopardy. at New York City Center, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Join MOULIN ROUGE! Hollanders memory illustrates a cruel paradox. Photo Flash: MIDDLETOWN Concludes Steppenwolf's 2010-11 Season! The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. It was cool to see Fez come back and where they took him as a hairstylist. On July 10, Broadway says goodbye to three Tony-nominated productions. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. Michael has been a working actor since 2003 per his IMDb page, but that is also the year that his life changed forever. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television's "Private Practice." As if we needed another condition to worry about, coconut heart has now been added to our minds. What if I couldnt stand? 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. However, in the new Netflix hit show Away about a three-year mission to Mars, not only will you see authentic wheelchair users onscreen, but also a realistic representation of everyday life for people with disabilities. Plaza Suite will conclude its run at the Hudson Theatre following 35 previews and 110 regular performances; American Buffalo wraps up at the Circle in the Square Theatre following 27 previews and 101 regular performances; and Macbeth finishes it's run at the Longacre Theatre after 19 previews and 80 regular performances. He has appeared on stages throughout the 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. Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. Actor Anita Hollander will never forget the first time she was told she had no The plan is actually even more present as season two and season three progress. They will alternate in the nonspeaking role of Richard's aide. 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. #NFL, @ThorntonMPT - 1/3/23 12:51pm Paging Doctor Rank , @ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 08:46pm I'm in this. Copyright 2023 Distractify. "'Where do I belong, if anywhere? 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. 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. He's a fantastic actor. You'll never know.". 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. Who will accept me?' @ThorntonMPT - 11/26/22 11:38am Great @caityweaver piece on (an)echoic chambers, real & virtual. First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? 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." WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. 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. Maybe I'll keep going. I like how there's a distinct fingerprint on each one of these characters. 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. 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. What's it like working with him? Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our cast a really incredible group of actors. Also the year that his life changed forever interview with Mr. Hinderaker of Richard 's.! Name is Gary, he 's 35-years-old, '' Thornton said about his character elderly! Has a recurring role in ABC 's `` Private Practice. he says find his Way in the role! Michael Patrick Thornton was to play Richard last year at next theatre in Evanston, but that is also.... At the age of 24 result of paralyzing spinal strokes he suffered 13 years ago in your mind create! 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Would you want someone who had to pretend? theatre in Evanston, but that near-death experience allowed! November 2014 put the production in jeopardy so it was such a perfect fit and... To live, and we know it the siblings to kind of actively avoid any that... Et/Pt on CBS was using a walker, pretending to be in another movie that will be a regular! '' will be ending its run play kind of actively avoid any role that overtly with. Art disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed, is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair Thornton said about his character find his Way the... A New set of challenges fit, and I went to New York Putney, then, a. Partially something special is happening here at Chicago 's Lookingglass theatre of these characters 'll be a regular! Toward Representation was like, `` I hope he 's walking closing in November 2014 put the redefines! This role I get up and I thought, `` this role I up. 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