WebSearching to find out more about Michael Patrick Thornton? Mike gave me my first production and was one of the lead characters in that play. Thornton: I kind of actively avoid any role that overtly deals with disability as a theme or references a wheelchair. 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.. I wanted to know where a lot of these behaviors came from, so I asked our showrunner, Steve Binder, if ["Old Wounds" co-writer] Scott Williams and I could explore that a bit. In fact, he has co-written two episodes of "NCIS" so far, including tonight's episode, "Old Wounds," which airs on CBS at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. And for me it felt really profound and something I connected to personally. Maybe I can come back and play some more." ", "This role I get to act with my ensemble which is always a dream," he said. I think it depends who the audience is. The star confessed to having a pity party at first, but seeing sick children at the rehabilitation center where he was recovering helped Michael see a brighter future ahead, which, for him, included acting. "It was a shocker.". First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? Michael Patrick Thornton in The Gift Theatre's "Richard III." Part of my responsibility as a human being is to understand that, and to understand the ways in which the world wasnt designed for other groups of people and to try to rectify that. He recently played the character of Dr. Gabriel Fife in the ABC drama series Private Practice . I remember you when you were thiiiiis biiiig. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was "It's a fool's errand. NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. 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. Most of the roles that Thornton auditions for are not disabled. Even with the paralysis, Thornton never really stopped working. This interview has been edited for clarity. @ThorntonMPT - 11/26/22 11:38am Great @caityweaver piece on (an)echoic chambers, real & virtual. For the first time since spinal strokes left him partially During his 2016 performance in the title role of Richard III (The Gift at Steppenwolf) Thornton became the first actor to ever act onstage while wearing a robotic exoskeleton, pairing not only an actor with a disability with a character with a disability but furthermore using cutting edge technology in order to theatrically complicate the character of Richard III and its discussion around disability, ableism, and representation. WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. On the one hand, it makes me proud. He was ready to play. When the cameras are rolling, Torres is a bit more reserved, for sure. I was very excited to explore some of the origin story of where Parker comes from, Gary Cole's character. Michael Patrick Thornton has not appeared in the West End. 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. The intriguing elements of his tragic backstory were revealed thanks to the introduction of Jeremy Brighton (Michael Patrick Thornton). ET Actor Michael Patrick Thornton plays Dr. Clay Porter on The Good Doctor and fans are Read more on distractify.com Good Doctor (TV Series) Wheelchairs 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. I like how there's a distinct fingerprint on each one of these characters. 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. Photo Flash: MIDDLETOWN Concludes Steppenwolf's 2010-11 Season! By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Hohl, a Wheaton North High School graduate with a doctorate in physical therapy, never imagined herself onstage. Actor Anita Hollander will never forget the first time she was told she had no And, what can I say? 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" I co-wrote the episode last year entitled "The Helpers," which was the show where Jimmy and Kasie inhale biotoxin in the lab. he is one of famous Actor with the age years old group. Three months after the second stroke he was directing Language of Angels , holding auditions at RIC Meet the Cast of SWEENEY TODD, Now in Previews on Broadway! "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. Go behind the scenes with the playwright in the video below! Michael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. This almost daily therapy lasted It turns out that there is a very powerful story behind that question. Having reliable, timely support is essential for uninterrupted business operations. Join United Spinal and get New Mobility the premier wheelchair lifestyle magazine free for one year. This was more than 25 years ago and I had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now 60. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, Chicago actor Michael Patrick Thornton is now appearing on the ABC show "Private Practice.". New Mobility is the member publication of United Spinal Association, which is dedicated to empowering people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities to live successful and fulfilling lives. "So things woke up slowly in there in time. That was just something I connected to profoundly and was grappling with and wanted to explore, so I knew that that would be a fundamental part of the series as well. Jefferson Park resident, Michael Patrick Thornton was involved in theatre before he became disabled from two strokes at the age of 24. "He lives in his mom's garage, he works at a comic book store, he smokes a lot of pot and he trying to get his life on track. "To fixate on 'why?' Since then, Brighton has become somewhat of a celebrity author and podcaster who provides online coaching services for people who use wheelchairs. Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. He plays Hilarys psychiatrist, Dr. Fred Putney. Most people using wearable robotics have injuries lower on their spinal cord. At one point, Brighton had two spinal strokes, but that would not stop his career. 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. The plan is actually even more present as season two and season three progress. On July 10, Broadway says goodbye to three Tony-nominated productions. All Rights Reserved. Its not often that youll see a wheelchair user in a TV show or film. leads you down a dark and twisting hallway," he said. I think thats probably where that philosophy was crystallized that carried through. What's it like working with him? Theres a scene in which Alexis, Matts daughter, is talking to the family psychiatrist I mentioned, Dr. Putney, who is played by Mike. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. According to Heart.org, spinal strokes are exceedingly rare, and make up just 1 percent of all strokes. "Disability gets consigned to the inspirational triumph story where a saint-like patient quietly bears the load and teaches us all how to appreciate what we have," he said. She's so good." I was very, very eager to write for him. You always think when you go in for a one-day guest star, "Maybe they'll like me a lot. "I mean, even Dr. Fife in Private practice wasn't written as a character originally with a wheelchair or disability. By Melissa Willets. Are you confident that there will be one? ET. 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. The talented actor portraying Jeremy Brighton on "NCIS" is Michael Patrick Thornton, who has been acting since 2003. This time around, which character were you most excited to write scenes for? Early in the play, Mike (Michael Patrick Thornton) enters in a wheelchair to present a cautionary tale to his former team. 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. It's gift to be here.". I'll be a series regular, and I'll have this and that." I've been chatting with our showrunner, Steve [Binder], talking about what we're going to get ready for next year. Management Consulting Company. McClure, Kritzer, Brightman, & Iglehart to Lead SPAMALOT, Cooper, Esparza, and More Will Lead OLIVER! Hohl and Scanlan worked with Thornton for months as he prepared to play the manipulative, murderous usurper Richard, whose misshapen body reflects his twisted soul. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so As far as next year, I look forward to writing more [episodes] and seeing which characters get to come back for a visit. 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? Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. 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". 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. ", "The play is about these three half siblings, so they have the same dad but different moms," he said. Also ironically, he plays Clay on The Good Doctor, who is a love interest for the chief of surgery, Audrey Lim, played by Christina Chang. Dietzen co-wrote the episode with veteran writer (and "NCIS" executive producer) Scott Williams. So it was vital that this show embody that. 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? Fez and Torres are two totally different characters. I've worked with Debra Jo Rupp before I know her well and she's an amazing actor. To that end, while robotics offer people like Thornton only a measure of added independence, they provide an enormous emotional lift. The diversity of the show absolutely was intentional, but again was sparked from something I read in that article. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Not that its necessarily wrong, but why wouldnt you seek out an actor who actually used a walker? Yes. 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. The Good Doctor Takes Place in San Jose, Calif. but Where Is It Filmed? This fall, Thornton is going to be in another movie that will be shooting in Chicago. Catch new episodes of The Good Doctor on Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC. We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our cast a really incredible group of actors. Proud as hell to be part of this story. 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. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. "That is not Richard III.". He also shared his thoughts on the cancellation of "NCIS: Los Angeles" and what it means for the flagship show's future. Season 20, Episode 14, "Old Wounds" was an eye-opening affair revealing some significant events in the past of Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker (GaryCole) that led him to a life of solving Navy crimes. 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 extraordinary theater and TV/film artist and actor named opens in a new windowMichael Patrick Thornton. He gave both me and Scott [Williams] feedback when the script came out, trying to craft it and hone it and polish it into something that was more honest for him and for his character. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. His age isnt by and large referenced. Those two characters couldn't be further apart, which is awesome. Maybe I'll keep going. But that near-death experience actually allowed him to reflect on his life and his true passion. 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 It aids in the formation of the script and makes it a lot easier, that's for sure. Do you have any plans yet to co-write another episode? ButThe Matchmakerdirector Henry Wishcamper was captivated by Hollander,who moves from a wheelchair to a prosthetic leg to crutches in the show. (2009-2010 Season) He acted in Andrew Hinderaker's play, "Suicide, Incorporated," at the Gift Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. Talent was also the driving factor in director Jessica Thebus's decision build her new production of Richard III around actor Michael Patrick Thornton. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed "'Where do I belong, if anywhere? All Rights Reserved. Correct. Device lets partially paralyzed actor walk for Richard III 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. 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. 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. 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 Everything, that is, except his determination to get back on the stage again. Meet the Cast of A DOLL'S HOUSE, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight! Let me tell you why because actors are delusional. Perhaps I didn't think 20 years' worth of employment, but I certainly thought, "I'm hoping maybe this thing can recur. 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. Michael Patrick Thornton, better known by her family name Michael Patrick Thornton, is a popular American Actor. I do enjoy that a lot. I also enjoy writing for every cast member on this show. Distractify is a registered trademark. He has a recurring role in ABC's "Private Practice". You know, Thornton uses a wheelchair, the result of paralyzing spinal strokes he suffered 13 years ago. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy. After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. SL: On a bit of a more whimsical track, lets talk wheelchairs in space! New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. 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." You bet. This strictly limited 16-week engagement will play Broadway's Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Monday, February 13, 2023. I was in Chicago opening a play when she was diagnosed with a really serious illness, really serious disease. In Michaels case, the situation was obviously very serious, and resulted in his being paralyzed after suffering not one, but two strokes at just 24 years old. WebMichael Patrick Thornton is an American actor and theater director. 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