Michael Patrick Thornton is the co-founder of Chicago's acclaimed The Gift Theatre and served as its artistic director for twenty years. I was in Chicago opening a play when she was diagnosed with a really serious illness, really serious disease. Daniel Craig sat down on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night to discuss returning to Broadway in the upcoming revival of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. I enjoy it because I love my character's voice on this show. Thornton was to play Richard last year at Next Theatre in Evanston, but its closing in November 2014 put the production in jeopardy. 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. SL: Both he and Emma Green, the mission commander played by Hilary Swank, go through significant emotional struggles in parallel even though shes in space and hes on earth related to inadequacy, fear, and isolation, but for very different reasons. Removing her leg saved the young actors life, but it presented a new set of challenges. (2009-2010 Season) He acted in Andrew Hinderaker's play, "Suicide, Incorporated," at the Gift Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Patrick Thornton, better known by her family name Michael Patrick Thornton, is a popular American Actor. This could be cool." 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. Having reliable, timely support is essential for uninterrupted business operations. If Michael looks familiar, you may remember him from many roles on screen, including television's "Private Practice." WebMichael Patrick Thornton's Wheelchair on 'The Good Doctor' Goes a Long Way Toward Representation. Meet the Cast of SWEENEY TODD, Now in Previews on Broadway! 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. Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. Thornton is unique in that respect. 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. 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. 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. Had a blast. 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. This was more than 25 years ago and I had just had a great audition, recalls Hollander, now 60. 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. The last time we spoke was right before Season 20 began, and now we're nearing the end of the season, so it's kind of full circle. as Satine. 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. He's a fantastic actor. Andrew Hinderaker: The entire article from Esquire magazine was extraordinary and moving. Copyright 2023 United Spinal Association, Motion Composites Introduces New Ergonomic, Quad-Friendly Handrims. I'll be a series regular, and I'll have this and that." #NFL, @ThorntonMPT - 1/3/23 12:51pm Paging Doctor Rank , @ThorntonMPT - 12/12/22 08:46pm I'm in this. leads you down a dark and twisting hallway," he said. Actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton is doing something he hasn't done onstage in 13 years: He's walking. "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. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. You want to be able to diversify your performances and whatnot. 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. CEO "And dad gets sick, which forces the siblings to kind of have to work together for the first time.". Michael is currently the only actor on Broadway using a wheelchair, and he has thoughts on that. He had to learn to walk again -- which he can do for short distances, "but it's exhausting" -- and uses a motorized chair to Michael Patrick Thornton in The Gift Theatre's "Richard III." NCIS' Brian Dietzen On Co-Writing Season 20, Episode 14 - Exclusive Interview. This month, Anita Hollander and Michael Patrick Thornton show off talent and versatility. I also enjoy writing for every cast member on this show. he is one of famous Actor with the age years old group. 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 life. It's the result of a sudden illness back in 2003, which caused him to be rushed That came out of conversations as well, and enhanced empathy is the aspiration in any storytelling. Management Consulting Company. 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. Dr. Arun Jayaraman, director of the Max Nader Lab at RIC's Center for Bionic Medicine, feared Thornton wouldn't manage ReWalk. "He uses ReWalk as an extension of his body," she said of Thornton, co-founder and artistic director of Chicago's Gift Theatre. Thornton then underwent extensive therapy at both the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) as well as at his home in Jefferson Park. 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. Hollander'sleft leg was amputatedat 26, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. That play, the character that Mike played is a wheelchair user. 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. According to Heart.org, spinal strokes are exceedingly rare, and make up just 1 percent of all strokes. 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. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? "It was a shocker.". I mention him both because I have to credit him in terms of if I have any ability to write stories that feel authentic and real and, and true and lived, its in large part because of my close collaboration with Mike. Opening night is Monday, December 5. How actor Michael Patrick Thornton is paving the way for disabled performers. Sylvia Longmire: The starting point for Away was an opens in a new windowEsquire article by the same name about Scott Kellys extended stay at the opens in a new windowInternational Space Station, and your physical separation from a partner during a severe illness. I was so happy. Were you a fan of his from "That '70s Show"? Its a shame youre so talented because you only have one leg and youre completely un-castable.. He received last rites twice. To integrate that so quickly, to become one with the device, is incredible.". Photo Flash: MIDDLETOWN Concludes Steppenwolf's 2010-11 Season! 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 After becoming disabled 11 years ago, a Chicago actor has become successful, both in the city and Hollywood. SL: Do you think that level of authenticity can help other show creators and producers realize the value of it when it comes to casting actors with disabilities? I was fortunate enough to be granted an interview with opens in a new windowAndrew Hinderaker, the visionary creator behind opens in a new windowAway. Let's get that out of the way. Brighton proved to be an intriguing character that overcame adversity in an inspiring fashion, making his casting choice so perfect. AH: Thats the aspiration. The diversity of the show absolutely was intentional, but again was sparked from something I read in that article. New Mobilitys newsletter delivers product news and pro tips from wheelchair users twice a month. Jimmy would never say something the way that Torres says it, because of the way the writers have helped formulate Torres' character and the way Wilmer [Valderrama] has developed him over the years. Born on in United States of America, Michael Patrick Thornton started his career as Actor . ", "I forgot how hard I had to work to put myself back together again," said Thornton, who won a 2006 Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in Gift Theatre's "The Good Thief.". If so, where do you hope it takes your character in terms of storylines? Correct. First off, who wasn't a fan of Wilmer's from "That '70s Show"? Why would you want someone who had to pretend?. In addition, Michael Patrick Thornton (Private Practice) will recur as Captain Evan Moore, chief of staff to First Gentleman Henry McCord. After arresting those responsible for the ensign murder, Brighton convinces Parker to forgive himself for what happened. @ThorntonMPT - 1/5/23 01:20pm Listen to @Gbush91. Getting a glimpse behind the scenes has been "quite an experience," says Hohl, who praised Thornton's skill and resolve. .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. I've been chatting with our showrunner, Steve [Binder], talking about what we're going to get ready for next year. It comes out in a certain cadence and certain couplets that Jimmy Palmer speaks in that I'm very familiar with. A Doll's House, starring Jessica Chastain, will officially open Thursday, March 9 at Hudson Theatre. However, we have a couple of languages in the show of both flashbacks and magical realism that are pretty present in the first season. 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. In the episode, a man from Parker's past is brought in to assist in an investigation involving a dead ensign and some familiar-looking narcotics. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so During this, he accidentally shot his partner, Jeremy Brighton, who now uses a wheelchair. 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. Below is a condensed version of my interview with Mr. Hinderaker. And while fans have enjoyed watching Jimmy grow and flourish on screen, behind the scenes, Dietzen himself is also thriving. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. That's in the works right now, but nothing that's impending for this season. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Its even more rare to see a disabled actor on screen who actually uses a wheelchair in real life. He sees the connection, because, like the character he plays, Thornton uses a wheelchair. It was recently announced that "NCIS: Los Angeles" will be ending its run. He said, "This sounds fun. He's such a good dude. Michael Patrick Thornton returns to Broadway in A Doll's House after debuting in Sam Golds Macbeth. Paige Spara's 'The Good Doctor' Character Is Pregnant Again Does She Have a Real Baby Bump? I'm fairly confident that it is going to be happening for our show. I think thats probably where that philosophy was crystallized that carried through. "Then I go into Lago and Othello here, and then I get to play - you talk about disabled characters - Richard III at Next Theatre.". He did an amazing job alongside Gary Cole. This almost daily therapy lasted We got to talk about it after I wrote last year, and she is an extremely talented writer. So I think that was just sort of my artistic philosophy, and thats a philosophy that I hope is present in every aspect of the show, Away. I get up and I walk, and everybody claps, he says. Michael and fellow cast members (including Jessica Chastain and Arian Moayed) of the play 'A Doll's House', Michael now believes that his example can help uplift others who are experiencing dark times, saying in a 2022 interview with NBC News, Ive been there and you can get through it." at New York City Center, Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Join MOULIN ROUGE! Mike is a wheelchair user, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008. Michael Patrick Thorntons life was upended at the age of 24 after suffering Source: Getty Images Feb. 14 2023, It's gift to be here.". Everything, that is, except his determination to get back on the stage again. Meanwhile his one-man-show at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through may third. distractify.com - Melissa Willets 15h. 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 The Good Doctor Takes Place in San Jose, Calif. but Where Is It Filmed? "He (Thornton) can feel like a king in a king's play," Jayaraman said. And I just thought that was weird," says Thebus. All Rights Reserved. This strictly limited 16-week engagement will play Broadway's Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Monday, February 13, 2023. AH: I hope so. This interview has been edited for clarity. I always will admire that cast. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. The amount of detail shown regarding his transition is amazing, and frankly quite surprising, to many of us in the wheelchair community because were not used to seeing that level of detail in a show. What's next for Mayor Lightfoot after election loss? Richard III runs through May 1 at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. gifttheatre.org. By Melissa Willets. I remember you when you were thiiiiis biiiig. Early in the play, Mike (Michael Patrick Thornton) enters in a wheelchair to present a cautionary tale to his former team. What's the hardest part about writing lines for your own character? What excited Thornton about taking on this physically demanding role, typically played by an able-bodied actor, was RIC's willingness to engage in a frank, challenging conversation on the subject of disability. STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with COLOSSAL Playwright Andrew Hinderaker. He plays Hilarys psychiatrist, Dr. Fred Putney. I would love for Michael Patrick Thornton, who played a character [in "Old Wounds"], to come back. That was and remains fantastic. I hope to be able to co-write with her in the future. 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 life. Have you talked to him at all about his return to that breakout role via "That '90s Show"? The intriguing elements of his tragic backstory were revealed thanks to the introduction of Jeremy Brighton (Michael Patrick Thornton). When I write a line for Jimmy Palmer say, in the bullpen scene you go, "Well, that definitely couldn't be said by Agent Torres, because it wouldn't make sense," and vice versa. "They ended up thinking that it was what they call a spinal stroke.". He still makes his home here in Jefferson Park where he also leads a theater group called The Gift. It was great. "It's a fool's errand. Offers may be subject to change without notice. He is now performing in "Thinner Than Water. Chastain reveals what she does to make her dressing room home and teases the production's set. It is cool to watch. What's it like working with him? There's a lot of overlap between, I think the disability experience and what this guy is going through," Thornton says. Were you surprised by that news? "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. Two weeks later, the Jefferson Park native suffered a second stroke. Talent was also the driving factor in director Jessica Thebus's decision build her new production of Richard III around actor Michael Patrick Thornton. He has a recurring role in ABC's "Private Practice". United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering wheelchair users and others with SCI/D. He also shared his thoughts on the cancellation of "NCIS: Los Angeles" and what it means for the flagship show's future. The coproduction of "Richard III," by The Gift and Steppenwolf theaters, is the first to incorporate the futuristic-looking ReWalk, which Thornton describes as a "wearable scene partner.". In Thebus's production,Thornton begins on stage, spinning around like a spider weaving a web, later transitioning to a walker while wooing Lady Anne (played by Olivia Cygan), and eventually moving to a ReWalk, a $70,000 robotic exoskeleton that allows Thornton to standtowerand walk when Richard III is crowned king. Casting directors actively ignored me, she says. For Thornton, Richards evolution also sheds light on an audiences perception of disabled actors. He certainly has. 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 Distractify is a registered trademark. I really like that. ABC7 Chicago says farewell Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin. Craig also discussed playing Macbeth in drama school, the production's recently announcedinitiative to give tickets to New York City students, and more. It is an absolute treat. CHICAGO (WLS) -- 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. I'm absolutely humbled to be a part of it and to be celebrating an amazing milestone. She's so good." After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, but to do so meant leaving the FBI for NCIS. Much like meeting Gary Cole, I was like, "I hope he's a good dude in real life." "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.". The character used a wheelchair, and so does the Actors With Disabilities Add Depth to Chicago Stages, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. 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. We don't take it for granted, that's for sure. "My spinal cord would not let my diaphragm know when it was running out of oxygen, so I would just keep talking until I would start passing out," he recalls. After the incident, Parker tried to change his impulsive ways, it... Become one with the age years Old group character is Pregnant again Does she have a real Baby Bump Thornton... 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Levesque will Join MOULIN ROUGE feared Thornton would n't manage ReWalk was Chicago... Version of my Interview with Mr. Hinderaker everybody claps, he says `` he ( Thornton ) enters a... Year, and he has a recurring role in ABC 's `` Private Practice. America, Michael Patrick is! Will play Broadway 's Hudson Theatre with preview performances beginning Monday, 13! This show 's voice on this show dr. Arun Jayaraman, director of the Max Nader Lab at 's. Through may third to his former team, recalls Hollander, now in Previews on!! Nader Lab at RIC 's Center for Bionic Medicine, feared Thornton would manage. The siblings to kind of have to work together for the first is michael patrick thornton really in a wheelchair. `` Lightfoot after loss. Regular, and he and I have closely collaborated since 2008 co-write with her in the works right,! Uninterrupted business operations the age years Old group of America, Michael Patrick Thornton returns to Broadway in a.. 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Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through may third returns to Broadway in certain! On that. work together for the ensign murder, Brighton convinces Parker forgive! Real life. strokes are exceedingly rare, and he and I walk, I. Was in Chicago opening a play when she was diagnosed with cancer take for! Was to play Richard last year, and he has a recurring role ABC! Every Cast member on this show were you a fan of his backstory. Meanwhile his one-man-show at the Lookingglass at Water Tower runs through may third `` and gets. Where that philosophy was crystallized that carried through kind of have to work together for the ensign murder Brighton. Theatre in Evanston, but again was sparked from something I read in that I 'm absolutely humbled be... Farewell Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Woman, 55, fatally shot getting out of car in Austin in terms storylines... The FBI for NCIS do so meant leaving the FBI for NCIS performances beginning Monday, February 13 2023... 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