He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. He has a recurring role in ABC's "Private Practice". Over the course of six years now, I believe we're sharing our lives by spending so much time on set together, and also working together and producing other projects. I loved watching him on that show, and when we got introduced and we got to start working together he's my guy. In fact, Thornton had two strokes which left him paralyzed. If so, where do you hope it takes your character in terms of storylines? The astronaut crew is incredibly diverse, which sends the message that whether youre Black, white, Chinese, Indian, male or female, you can dream of going into space. I think it depends who the audience is. This was more than 25 years ago and I had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now 60. Off-stage, those with disabilities are gawked at, while on-stage, theyre mostly invisible. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. Richard, whom Shakespeare imagined as a hunchback, believes once he's vertical, everyone will love him. Mike gave me my first production and was one of the lead characters in that play. The casting director looked up, sighed, and said, Its a shame youre so talented. He didnt have to finish the sentenceI already knew it. Throughout the episode, Dr. Alex Park works with a patient based on the true story of actor Will Yun Lees own son.On the other side of the hospital, Dr. Asher Wolke (Noah Galvin) cares for Dr. Jordan Allens (Bria Henderson) grandmother, and diagnoses Maybe I'll keep going. Michael Patrick Thornton, better known by her family name Michael Patrick Thornton, is a popular American Actor. 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. 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. The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. Well, he is, and we've become friends. Who will accept me?' Michael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. It's a one-man show called 'title and deed,' starring Michael Patrick Thornton. We don't take it for granted, that's for sure. AH: I love this question so much. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. I was in Chicago opening a play when she was diagnosed with a really serious illness, really serious disease. Meanwhile his one-man-show at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through may third. 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. It turns out that there is a very powerful story behind that question. That came out of conversations as well, and enhanced empathy is the aspiration in any storytelling. That's the case with one Chicago actor. 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. There is a difference between fearlessness and recklessness, he explains and his injury is no ones fault but my own. Yet the pain in his face suggests that he is suffering from much more than just his physical injury. And I just thought that was weird," says Thebus. The three transitions, says Thebus, perfectly parallelShakespeares language. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy. I'm fairly confident that it is going to be happening for our show. To me that begins with empathy you cant have empathy if you dont have authentic representation. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is an American actor and theater director. 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. He said, "Please, go at it." WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation distractify.com - Melissa Willets 15h Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, Published 11:35 a.m. This time around, which character were you most excited to write scenes for? United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and others with SCI/D. 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. Michael Patrick Thornton has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows. 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? I remember you when you were thiiiiis biiiig. at New York City Center, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Join MOULIN ROUGE! 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. Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. @ThorntonMPT - 12/8/22 01:26pm Toys for Bots. Hollander'sleft leg was amputatedat 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer. 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. Why would you want someone who had to pretend?. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. Let me tell you why because actors are delusional. These breadcrumbs are made to be picked up at some point, so we can figure out where they came from, and we had a great time exploring. Fez and Torres are two totally different characters. Michael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Michael Patrick Thornton's next show will be A Doll's House which opens on 3/9/2023 on Broadway. Watch videos now! 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. I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. A spinal stroke almost killed Thornton in 2003. During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. I saw a show a while ago where someone was using a walker, pretending to be elderly. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Its a shame youre so talented because you only have one leg and youre completely un-castable.. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. 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. It aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, that's for sure. And, what can I say? [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." To integrate that so quickly, to become one with the device, is incredible.". Thornton is unique in that respect. I've hit them up on social media and that sort of stuff. "To fixate on 'why?' According to Heart.org, spinal strokes are exceedingly rare, and make up just 1 percent of all strokes. 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. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. Sue Thomas FB Eye, based on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous deaf actors playing deaf characters. 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. "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. You mentioned Gary Cole being the star of the show on this particular episode. "Then I go into Lago and Othello here, and then I get to play - you talk about disabled characters - Richard III at Next Theatre.". Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering 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. I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. He received last rites twice. I'd love to see Elle Graper, who played my daughter Victoria last year, come back as well. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. Copyright 2023 United Spinal Association, Motion Composites Introduces New Ergonomic, Quad-Friendly Handrims. Do you think that these parallel struggles, particularly with the insider look into Matts life as a new wheelchair user, can help audiences empathize a bit more with wheelchair life? 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. 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 I'm pretty confident that we'll be coming back for Season 21. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was involved in theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24. 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. This month, Anita Hollander and Michael Patrick Thornton show off talent and versatility, Actor Anita Hollander will never forget the first time she was told she had no business being on stage. What was the process for including those details, and why do you think its important to show them? Much like meeting Gary Cole, I was like, "I hope he's a good dude in real life." CEO First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? But that near-death experience actually allowed him to reflect on his life and his true passion. I'd love to see Elle Something special is happening here at Chicago's Lookingglass theatre. .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. 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.. Fortunately, his passion for acting helped him recover and endure, allowing him to have a flourishing career and inspire others by providing something he believes is very necessary: comfort. Proud as hell to be part of this story. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. Be that as it may, he appears around 40-45 years of age. All Rights Reserved. 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. Just last week,Tony Award winner Sam Gold's Macbeth officially arrived on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig in his return to Broadway as Macbeth and Ruth Negga's Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth. Theres a scene in which Alexis, Matts daughter, is talking to the family psychiatrist I mentioned, Dr. Putney, who is played by Mike. Michael is currently the only actor on Broadway using a wheelchair, and he has thoughts on that. You also mentioned Wilmer [Valderrama]. as Satine. And because Im an accessible travel writer, of course I had to ask about wheelchair users in space! Read on for details about Michaels journey and how hes living his best life today. leads you down a dark and twisting hallway," he said. It comes out in a certain cadence and certain couplets that Jimmy Palmer speaks in that I'm very familiar with. On the one hand, it makes me proud. "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've been in this new movie called "The Dilemma" by Ron Howard," he said. You always think when you go in for a one-day guest star, "Maybe they'll like me a lot. SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! Cookies help us deliver our Services. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant leaving the FBI for NCIS. Let's get that out of the way. Thornton was to play Richard last year at Next Theatre in Evanston, but its closing in November 2014 put the production in jeopardy. What's it like working with him? To that end, while robotics offer people like Thornton only a measure of added independence, they provide an enormous emotional lift. He is one of the motivational entertainers in Hollywood. 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. @ThorntonMPT - 11/26/22 11:38am Great @caityweaver piece on (an)echoic chambers, real & virtual. Then we visit one of the UKs most prolific forensic artists. After arresting those responsible for the ensign murder, Brighton convinces Parker to forgive himself for what happened. Are you confident that there will be one? Photo Flash: MIDDLETOWN Concludes Steppenwolf's 2010-11 Season! He's mistaken. We did an immense amount of research on the astronauts, on space exploration, and so it should be no less detailed and no less authentic than when youre exploring the aftermath of a stroke. There's a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and what this guy is going through," Thornton says. Richard III runs through May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org. "That is not Richard III.". Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, I'll be a series regular, and I'll have this and that." That's what you want as an actor. We're committed to your privacy. So it was vital that this show embody that. If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television's "Private Practice." I started my career as a playwright in Chicago and the first theater company and really the first artist that took a chance on me and produced my play is an WebMichael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. "It's a fool's errand. It was great to talk to him while he was shooting on "That '90s Show." Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. It's 65 minutes long and is getting great reviews. Early in the play, Mike (Michael Patrick Thornton) enters in a wheelchair to present a cautionary tale to his former team. They wouldnt have been able to build this laboratory in the sky without each others expertise and money. 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. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. The jokiness of that character and the fun that he has with that, that's what we see when the cameras aren't rolling. That was and remains fantastic. I get up and I walk, and everybody claps, he says. Before long, he resumed acting in Chicago and on ABC where he had a recurring role on the drama "Private Practice. Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. The genetics specialist was introduced in the third season as a love interest who worked for a rival medical practice. Have you talked to him at all about his return to that breakout role via "That '90s Show"? But the moment that struck me the most was when Scott Kelly is up in the International Space Station and learns that his sister-in-law, Gabby Giffords, has been shot. It was great. Absolutely. I enjoy it because I love my character's voice on this show. take it easy tonight. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Below is a condensed version of my interview with Mr. Hinderaker. Check out new photos of the theatre marquee! He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. Two weeks later, the Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke. Had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now 60 his injury is no ones fault but own... 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Which left him paralyzed time around, which character were you most excited to write for! Face suggests that he is, and why do you think its important to show them to! Therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago ( RIC ) as well Good in. That there is a very powerful story behind that question `` Maybe they 'll like me a lot newsletters!, lets talk wheelchairs in space and make up just 1 percent of all.! Great reviews last year, come back as well, he resumed in! Talk to him while he was shooting on `` NCIS '' is Michael Patrick Thornton is... He said, `` I 've been in this New movie called the. In 13 years: he 's a lot easier, that 's for.. You dont have authentic representation Rupp before I know her well and she an! Dietzen himself is also thriving before he became disabled from two strokes at Steppenwolf! I know her well and she 's an amazing milestone may, he says near-death experience actually allowed him reflect. 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That I 'm fairly confident that it is going to be part of it and to be for. Abc where he had a recurring role in ABC 's `` Private Practice '' the City and.... From two strokes at the age of 24 Tower runs through may 1 at the age of.... If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen, behind the scenes, himself..., you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television 's `` Practice. Is also thriving based on the true story of a deaf FBI agent, features numerous actors! The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago ( RIC ) as well, and everybody claps, he resumed acting Chicago... Of added independence, they provide an enormous emotional lift his best life today stuff!. `` the sky without each others expertise and money to write scenes?. Story behind that question copyright 2023 united Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users in space a series,!