Representation matters, and nowhere is that more evident than in the stories of disabled actors and creators who are transforming how the world sees disability in entertainment. From film and television to theater and digital media, these pioneers are proving that talent, dedication, and authenticity know no physical limits. This list celebrates 15 incredible disabled individuals who have not only excelled in their craft but also advocated for visibility, inclusion, and accurate representation. Their achievements inspire audiences and creators alike, showing that disability is just one part of a rich, multifaceted story.
15. Ricky Bartlett
Ricky Bartlett is a SAG-AFTRA actor and double-leg amputee who has brought an unprecedented level of authenticity to his roles. His work in Hulu’s Murdaugh: Death in the Family avoids the typical trope of non-disabled actors portraying disability, creating a character that feels lived-in rather than performed.
Bartlett’s journey into performance began long before his amputation, spanning radio and music. After surviving necrotizing fasciitis and multiple surgeries, he draws from real-life experience, lending depth and nuance to his acting. His work demonstrates how disabled actors can enrich storytelling, making disability part of a complex character rather than a plot device.
14. Ali Stroker
Ali Stroker made history as the first wheelchair user to win a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a musical for Oklahoma!. Her victory was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of inspiration for disabled performers everywhere.
However, Stroker’s win highlighted ongoing accessibility challenges: she had to enter the Tony Awards backstage due to a lack of ramps, and she was excluded from the stage during the Best Revival win. Despite these obstacles, her advocacy continues, pressing for a world where talent is celebrated without barriers and disabled performers are fully included.
13. RJ Mitte
RJ Mitte, known for playing Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, lives with cerebral palsy, the same condition as his character. This alignment of experience and portrayal brought a level of authenticity rarely seen on screen, allowing audiences to connect deeply with his performance.
Mitte’s visibility has helped normalize disability in Hollywood, showing that actors with disabilities can take on meaningful, multidimensional roles. Beyond acting, he advocates for greater inclusion in the industry, encouraging casting directors and creators to recognize the value of lived experience.
12. Millicent Simmonds
Millicent Simmonds made waves as the deaf protagonist in A Quiet Place, a role that influenced the entire production. Director John Krasinski ensured that all cast members learned ASL, creating an authentic and immersive world on screen.
Simmonds has become a role model for Deaf and disabled youth, proving that heroes don’t always have to conform to traditional expectations. Her recognition includes awards and BAFTA Rising Star nominations, and her advocacy underscores the importance of letting disabled actors tell their own stories.
11. Troy Kotsur
Troy Kotsur became the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar for his performance in CODA. His work brought emotional depth and authenticity to the story of a hearing child navigating life in a Deaf family.
During his acceptance speech, Kotsur dedicated his award to the Deaf, CODA, and disabled communities, marking a watershed moment for representation in Hollywood. His success has opened doors for future Deaf actors, proving that authentic casting elevates both performance and storytelling.
10. Marlee Matlin
Marlee Matlin was the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for Children of a Lesser God. Over decades, she has built a career that combines remarkable acting with fierce advocacy for Deaf representation.
Matlin’s influence extends beyond the screen. She pushes for accessibility in media and works to inspire new generations of Deaf performers. Her career has proven that talent paired with advocacy can reshape industry norms and expand opportunities for marginalized communities.
9. Zach Gottsagen
Zach Gottsagen’s breakout role in The Peanut Butter Falcon brought authentic Down syndrome representation to film audiences. His heartfelt performance challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that actors with disabilities can carry major projects.
Gottsagen also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to present at the Academy Awards. His visibility helps normalize disability in entertainment and proves that representation is both possible and powerful.
8. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell’s career took a transformative turn after a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He continued acting, including his role as Wendel in Fear the Walking Dead, where his disability is integrated naturally into the storyline.
Mitchell has become a leading advocate for Black disabled actors, addressing the underrepresentation of both communities in mainstream media. His work demonstrates that disability can open new paths in storytelling rather than limit opportunities.
7. Lauren Ridloff
Lauren Ridloff has broken barriers as a Deaf actress in blockbuster franchises such as The Walking Dead and Marvel’s Eternals. Her performances bring visibility to Deaf audiences who rarely see themselves authentically represented on screen.
Ridloff’s path from teaching to Hollywood highlights her resilience and talent. She has become a role model, showing that mainstream success is achievable for disabled actors while promoting inclusion in high-profile media projects.
6. Maysoon Zayid
Maysoon Zayid, a comedian and actress with cerebral palsy, has championed authentic representation for disabled artists. Her experiences with exclusion fueled her mission to create opportunities in media for performers with disabilities.
Zayid’s comedy career, including appearances in films like You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, blends humor and advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of disabled voices behind the camera as well, arguing that authentic storytelling requires inclusion at every level of production.
5. Divas in the City Cast
The digital series Divas in the City showcases five disabled Black women thriving in their respective fields: Zazel-Chavah O’Garra, Melva Henderson, Natalia Mendez, Karen Gasperini-Quiles, and Kebra Moore. Their stories highlight leadership, creativity, and resilience.
From founding nonprofits to leading inclusive organizations, these women demonstrate that disability is one part of a broader identity. Their visibility challenges stereotypes and celebrates disabled Black women as empowered leaders shaping their communities.
4. Jamie Brewer
Jamie Brewer, a model and actor with Down syndrome, has made history in television and fashion. Her roles in American Horror Story and appearances at New York Fashion Week demonstrate that talent transcends ability.
Brewer was the first person with Down syndrome to win a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, cementing her status as a trailblazer. Her work continues to open doors for others, showing that disability need not limit artistic achievement.
3. Kiera Allen
Kiera Allen made her film debut as the lead in Hulu’s thriller Run, becoming only the second female actor in a wheelchair to star in a suspense feature. Her performance challenged Hollywood norms and proved that disabled actors can carry major roles.
Allen’s work has sparked crucial conversations about inclusive casting and authentic representation. She demonstrates that audiences are eager for stories featuring disabled talent in fully realized, lead roles.
2. Madison Ferris
Madison Ferris made history as Broadway’s first lead actor in a wheelchair, starring as Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie. Her performance highlighted the possibilities of accessible theater and challenged traditional casting limitations.
Ferris has expanded opportunities for disabled performers both on stage and on screen. Her achievements serve as a powerful reminder that talent is not confined by physical ability and that inclusion enriches storytelling in every medium.
1. Claudia Gordon
Claudia Gordon became the first Black Deaf woman to practice law in the United States, using her career to fight discrimination and advance disability rights. She has worked in the White House, shaping policies that ensure accessibility and equality.
Gordon’s influence extends beyond law. She advocates for marginalized communities, proving that leadership, representation, and impact are possible at every intersection of identity. Her pioneering work inspires generations to push boundaries and demand inclusivity in all areas of society.
These 15 remarkable individuals illustrate the transformative power of representation in entertainment, media, and society. Their courage, talent, and advocacy challenge stereotypes, open doors, and create spaces where disabled performers can thrive. From film and theater to advocacy and entrepreneurship, these trailblazers show that disability is just one part of a person’s story, not the whole narrative. Their legacies inspire future generations to dream boldly and redefine what inclusion looks like in every corner of media.