Claim to Fame:
If you know the name Chris Burke then you most definitely know him from his
role as Corky Thatcher from the TV series, 'Life Goes On'.
Family Life:
Never married
Info: Chris has Down Syndrome. His parents were told to
institutionalize him when he was born, but they decided to raise him at home and
nurture his talents. He was encouraged to follow his career objectives no matter
how untraditional they seemed for a young man with Down Syndrome. His siblings
also worked with him. Many were surprised at how healthy and bright Burke was
when he entered formal schooling.
Trivia: Used to work as an elevator operator.
First set his sights on becoming a tap dancer. He later switched to acting while
at the Don Guanella School. He was further inspired by attending night classes,
going through auditions, writing scripts, and reading books.
Tours with his 3-piece folk band.
Is the youngest of 4 children.
Serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society and is
editor-in-chief of its quarterly magazine.
Where
is He Now: Tours with his 3-piece folk band. He sings with his twin
friends, Joe and John DeMasi. They were his music counselors at a camp for
persons with disabilities. The band has released several albums. They tour the
country. Here is a list of Upcoming Appearances:
January 05, 2008
Making A Difference Anniversary Celebration, the Hamptons, New York
January 22, 2008
Tulare-Kings Right to Life, Visalia, California
March 01, 2008
San Diego D.S.A. Dinner and Dance Gala, San Diego, California
April 06-08, 2008
Help Center-Very Special Arts Talents of the Desert Festival, Jeddah
April 12, 2008
KidsFest at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
June 14, 2008
Annual A.G.M. General Meeting, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
September 20, 2008
North Coast Down Syndrome Network Buddy Walk, Seaside, Oregon
September 21, 2008
D.S.N.O. Buddy Walk, Lake Oswego, Oregon
September 27, 2008
D.S.S.A. of Southern Indiana Buddy Walk, New Albany, Indiana
October 09-11, 2008
Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation Buddy Walk, Indianapolis, Indiana
We also have a two part video that has all kinds of info on Chris from past to
present. Check them out:
Read the lastest issue of Celebrity Nooz
just
Click Here
CREDITS:
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) .... Custodian
"ER" .... George (1 episode, 2002)
- The Letter (2002) TV episode .... George
"The Division" .... Henry Lee Mentiere (1 episode, 2002)
- Illusions (2002) TV episode .... Henry Lee Mentiere
"Touched by an Angel" .... Taylor (2 episodes, 1997)
- Great Expectations (1997) TV episode .... Taylor
- An Angel by Any Other Name (1997) TV episode .... Taylor
"Promised Land" .... Bob (1 episode, 1997)
- Independence Day (1997) TV episode .... Bob
"Heaven & Hell: North & South, Book III" (1994) (mini) TV mini-series .... Jim
"The Commish" .... Billy (1 episode, 1994)
- Dog Days (1994) TV episode .... Billy
"Life Goes On" .... Charles 'Corky' Thacher (83 episodes, 1989-1993)
Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted (1992) (TV) .... Jonathan Willis
Desperate (1987) (TV) (as Christopher Burke) .... Louis
AUTHOR:
A Special Kind of Hero (1992, memoir, with Jo Beth McDaniel)
Updated:
12/14/2007
Family Life:
Never married
