Written by Kedem Har-Shalom

In the early 1990s, the television series Life Goes On introduced audiences to something they had rarely seen before. The show centered on a middle-class American family raising three teenage children, including their son, Corky Thatcher, who had Down syndrome. It was groundbreaking not only because it featured a main character with Down syndrome, but because Corky was portrayed by an actor who had Down syndrome in real life. At a time when disabled characters were almost always played by nondisabled actors, this was a major step forward for authentic representation. That actor was Chris Burke.

Chris Burke was born in 1965. Like many children with Down syndrome born during that era, his parents were advised to place him in an institution. Instead, they rejected that advice and chose to raise him at home, encouraging him to pursue his interests and dreams. Their belief in his abilities would prove to be life-changing.

From an early age, Chris loved television and movies. His dream of becoming an actor became reality in 1987 when he appeared in the made-for-TV movie Desperate, where he first portrayed the character of Corky. Two years later, he reprised the role in Life Goes On, which aired from 1989 to 1993. His performance helped introduce millions of viewers to a more accurate and compassionate portrayal of a person with Down syndrome, while challenging many of the stereotypes that existed at the time.

Although Life Goes On remains his most recognizable role, Chris continued acting in several other projects. In 1992, he starred in the television movie Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted, which told the story of a boy with Down syndrome who was abandoned because of his disability. He also made a memorable guest appearance on Touched by an Angel, playing an angel with Down syndrome in a series that was known for highlighting stories about people with disabilities and promoting acceptance.

Chris Burke’s accomplishments extend far beyond acting. He co-authored his autobiography, performed in a band, and became the chief editor of a magazine created by and for people with Down syndrome. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate advocate, speaking across the country about disability awareness, inclusion, and the importance of believing in the potential of every individual.

I remember watching parts of Life Goes On with my mother when I was young. It was one of the first times I learned about intellectual disabilities and what it meant to have Down syndrome. As a child, Corky never seemed defined by his disability to me. He was simply another character living his life, even if he spoke more slowly than others.

Growing up, because I sometimes struggled with social skills, classmates would occasionally ask if I was “retarded,” a word that was commonly used as an insult. I always knew I was not, but those experiences taught me how harmful labels can be. When I was about ten years old, my mother told me that Chris Burke was coming to speak at Westside Regional Center. I was surprised to learn that the actor who played Corky actually had Down syndrome. She explained that he spoke at places like Westside to show people that having a developmental disability does not prevent someone from achieving success.

Chris Burke’s life is a powerful reminder that ability should never be judged by a diagnosis. Through his groundbreaking acting career and years of advocacy, he has helped change perceptions of people with Down syndrome and inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams. His story continues to demonstrate that with encouragement, opportunity, and determination, barriers can be broken and expectations can be exceeded.