Most Famous Actors with Disabilities

From deaf performers leading blockbuster films to wheelchair-using stars earning major awards, many actors with disabilities have expanded on-screen representation and access behind the scenes. Their work spans genres and eras, and their visibility has encouraged authentic casting, captioning, and inclusive sets. Here are 25 well-known actors whose careers and advocacy have made a lasting impact.

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin is a deaf actor who has worked across film and television for decades. She broke through with ‘Children of a Lesser God’ and has had long-running TV roles including ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Switched at Birth’. Matlin advocates for captioning, sign-language access, and authentic casting, frequently mentoring younger deaf talent.

Troy Kotsur

Troy Kotsur, a deaf actor and director, gained wide recognition for his performance in ‘CODA’. He has an extensive career in theater and television, including work with Deaf West Theatre. Kotsur often consults on productions to improve ASL accuracy and on-set accessibility.

Lauren Ridloff

Lauren Ridloff is a deaf actor known for roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Eternals’. A former teacher and Miss Deaf America, she transitioned to Broadway before moving to screen work. Ridloff promotes inclusive set practices and ASL interpreters for cast and crew.

Millicent Simmonds

Millicent Simmonds is a deaf actor who starred in ‘Wonderstruck’ and ‘A Quiet Place’. She has advised writers and directors on authentic deaf representation. Simmonds is active in youth advocacy, emphasizing early language access and captioning.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage, who has achondroplasia, is widely known for ‘Game of Thrones’. He has built a varied filmography that rejects stereotypical roles for actors with dwarfism. Dinklage frequently speaks about respectful storytelling and the importance of complex characters.

Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita and became a household name with ‘Willow’. He has appeared in multiple ‘Star Wars’ entries and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Davis also runs a talent agency focused on performers with dwarfism and advocates for fair casting.

RJ Mitte

R.J. Mitte has cerebral palsy and portrayed Walter White Jr. in ‘Breaking Bad’. He uses his platform to discuss disability employment in Hollywood and beyond. Mitte supports anti-bullying initiatives and accessibility in entertainment training programs.

Micah Fowler

Micah Fowler, who has cerebral palsy, led the sitcom ‘Speechless’. The show employed writers and consultants with disabilities, with Fowler’s performance helping normalize mobility aids on prime-time TV. He continues to advocate for inclusive education and media portrayals.

Jamie Brewer

Jamie Brewer, an actor with Down syndrome, is known for multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. She also made Broadway history starring in the play Amy and the Orphans. Brewer promotes opportunities for actors with intellectual disabilities across stage and screen.

Zack Gottsagen

Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, co-starred in ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’. He met his co-creators at a film camp and helped shape the story around his strengths. Gottsagen’s success has encouraged filmmakers to build projects around disabled leads.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson’s disease, is known for ‘Back to the Future’ and the TV series ‘Spin City’. He founded a major research foundation that accelerates Parkinson’s treatments and studies. Fox has returned to acting in guest roles while supporting visibility for chronic illness.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair publicly shared her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and later chronicled her experience in the documentary ‘Introducing, Selma Blair’. Her screen work includes ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘Legally Blonde’. Blair raises awareness about mobility aids and fatigue management on productions.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, starred in ‘Dead to Me’. She has spoken candidly about accommodations, including on-set support and modified schedules. Applegate’s openness has helped normalize disability disclosures in Hollywood.

Ali Stroker

Ali Stroker is a wheelchair-using actor and singer who gained TV recognition on ‘Glee’ and has guest-starred on ‘Only Murders in the Building’. She advocates for accessible theaters, rehearsal rooms, and casting calls. Stroker mentors young performers and promotes inclusive drama education.

Robert David Hall

Robert David Hall, a double amputee, played Dr. Al Robbins on ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ for many seasons. A longtime SAG-AFTRA leader on disability issues, he pushes for equitable audition access. Hall also records voice roles and speaks about adaptive technology on set.

Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell became a paraplegic following a motorcycle accident and returned to acting in ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He co-founded the Daryl Mitchell Foundation to support spinal cord injury survivors. Mitchell works with studios to improve accessible trailers and stages.

Mat Fraser

Mat Fraser, a British actor with thalidomide-related limb difference, appeared in ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ and ‘His Dark Materials’. He is also a writer and performance artist addressing disability history. Fraser consults on scripts to avoid tropes and encourage authentic narratives.

Atticus Shaffer

Atticus Shaffer, who has osteogenesis imperfecta, is best known for playing Brick Heck on ‘The Middle’. He balances voice and on-camera roles while managing bone fragility. Shaffer has discussed the importance of tailored stunt planning and safe set protocols.

Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo has cleidocranial dysplasia and stars as Dustin Henderson in ‘Stranger Things’. He uses interviews and social media to explain CCD and dental surgeries. Matarazzo’s visibility has increased public understanding of the condition.

Dash Mihok

Dash Mihok has Tourette syndrome and is known for the series ‘Ray Donovan’. He has spoken about managing tics on set through preparation and collaboration with directors. Mihok supports youth organizations that address stigma around neurodiversity.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones dealt with a severe childhood stutter and became renowned for his stage and voice work, including ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Lion King’. He credits structured practice and supportive teachers for his progress. Jones has supported speech therapy initiatives and arts education.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt experienced a significant stutter growing up and often discusses therapies that helped her. She has led major films such as ‘Sicario’ and ‘A Quiet Place’. Blunt supports organizations that expand access to speech-language services for children.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has spoken about working through a stutter, including techniques he still uses. He has appeared in numerous films, including ‘Pulp Fiction’ and the ‘Avengers’. Jackson advocates for arts programs that build confidence and communication skills.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins has described himself as on the autism spectrum and has noted how it informs his focus and routine. His body of work includes ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, ‘The Father’, and ‘Westworld’. Hopkins emphasizes structured preparation and quiet rehearsal spaces on set.

Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah has described herself as on the autism spectrum and has discussed strategies she uses to navigate public life. She is known for films like ‘Splash’ and ‘Blade Runner’. Hannah supports environmental and disability causes, highlighting the value of accommodations in creative work.

Tell us who else belongs on this list—and why—in the comments!