Hollywood and Disabilities
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Dear Hollywood, You Need To Cast More People With Disabilities

They deserve a chance, too.

117
Dear Hollywood, You Need To Cast More People With Disabilities

"The Upside" starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart is about a quadriplegic man (Cranston) who strikes up an unusual friendship with a recently paroled ex-convict (Hart).

While the movie appears to be good (I haven't seen it but will one day!), Cranston has faced some backlash for playing a disabled character when there were talented disabled actors that could play the role. This is nothing against Cranston, but I believe that Hollywood needs to start casting those talented actors who have disabilities.

While a few shows such as "Glee" have cast actors with disabilities, they didn't have the main role. Shows like "Atypical" recently made that decision in the show's second season and added some supporting cast members who are on the spectrum.

While "Atypical" does have a good storyline, it has been criticized for not casting someone who is on the spectrum and are also being criticized for a lack of diversity with them casting a white male because sometimes autism is categorized as being white and male when everyone should know that autism does not discriminate. So kudos to them for not only casting actors on the spectrum but also having a diverse crowd as well.

"The Good Doctor" is a great show, and Freddie Highmore is a fantastic actor. The fact that he hasn't gotten an Emmy yet is really bothersome. There have also been some people who were critical of the casting because it wasn't a person who was on the spectrum. However, they did cast someone with autism as a guest role in an episode that shines a light on how autism is with a child.

Going back to "Glee," they also had a character named Artie Abrams who was in a wheelchair, but in real life not only was he not in a wheelchair but also a very good dancer as well. They did cast an actress who is actually in a wheelchair for a guest role later in the series, along with a character named Becky who has Down syndrome. Additionally, they made Sue Sylvester's sister a character with Down syndrome along with her baby, but they had limited roles. Even though Becky had a bigger role, she was never the main character.

I will give "Breaking Bad" credit for casting an actual actor who has cerebral palsy in the role of a character who has a disability.

What Hollywood needs to do is go beyond casting same people to play the roles of the disabled when there are plenty of actors with a disability out there that are looking for their big break. So, Hollywood please give them a chance, give them something to star in, give them the opportunity to shine!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53800
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34633
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957055
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181736
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments