Initially appeared on E! Online
Hollywood has misplaced a trailblazer.
Andrea Fay Friedman, an actress with Down syndrome identified for her breakthrough purpose in the ‘90s Tv set sitcom “Existence Goes On,” died Dec. 3 from troubles because of to Alzheimer’s, her dad shared with the New York Situations. She was 53.
In 1992, the California indigenous grew to become a person of the very first actors with Down syndrome to seem in a tv collection, actively playing the function of Amanda Swanson in ABC’s “Life Goes On.” Following two seasons, Friedman went on to land visitor spots in displays together with “Baywatch,” “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “Regulation and Purchase: SVU.”
On “Loved ones Guy,” Friedman voiced Ellen, a character with Down syndrome. Through the episode, her character manufactured a reference to Sarah Palin and her now 15-calendar year-previous her son Trig, who also has Down syndrome. Immediately after the show aired, Palin slammed the display, calling it the work of “cruel, cold-hearted individuals.”
In response, Friedman stated that her character must provide as an inspiration to many others: “I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor.”
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“In my family we feel laughing is superior,” Friedman informed the New York Situations at the time. “My parents raised me to have a feeling of humor and to stay a standard life.”
And she was happy of becoming equipped to carry representation to her people onscreen.
“I am not humiliated,” she ongoing. “But typically, it would not make any difference if you have Down syndrome. Truly, it just issues to have a various challenge.”
In addition to her acting job, Friedman also served as an assistant trainer at UCLA, supporting to train students about independent residing.
Her ultimate onscreen appearance was in the 2019 film “Carol of the Bells.”
