Defying the Odds: 7 Famous People Proving Cerebral Palsy is not a Limit

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that impact muscle tone, movement, and motor skills, caused by a brain injury or abnormality occurring before, during, or after a child's birth. Despite the limitations imposed by CP, these individuals have made their mark in the world, breaking down barriers and paving the way for others with disabilities. In this article, we will take a closer look at six inspiring individuals who have made their mark despite their CP.

Josh Blue, The Comedian Who Won Last Comic Standing

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Josh Blue is a well-known American stand-up comedian who rose to fame after winning season four of the NBC reality show, Last Comic Standing, in 2006. He is a strong advocate for those with CP and uses his self-deprecating humor to challenge others to overcome preconceived notions about those with disabilities. With his wit and humor, Josh Blue has made a significant impact on the comedy world, breaking down barriers and promoting awareness about CP.

Abbey Nicole Curran, Miss USA Contestant and Founder of Miss You Can Do It Pageant

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Abbey Nicole Curran, diagnosed with CP at the age of two, made history by becoming the first Miss USA contestant with a disability, representing Iowa in 2008. She has since appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and founded the Miss You Can Do It Pageant for young girls with special needs. The pageant was also featured in HBO's summer documentary series in 2013. Abbey Nicole Curran continues to inspire others and break down barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Dan Keplinger, Accomplished Artist and Motivational Speaker

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Dan Keplinger, featured in the 2000 Oscar-winning documentary short King Gimp, is an accomplished artist and motivational speaker. Despite developing CP due to complications at birth, Dan has gone on to earn a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's in fine arts from Towson University in Towson, Maryland. His art has been shown in galleries across the country and he continues to inspire others through his motivational speaking and artistic talents.

Geri Jewell, Actress, Comedian, Author, and Speaker

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Geri Jewell is a well-known actress, comedian, author, and motivational speaker who received national recognition for being the first person with CP to be cast in a prime-time television series, appearing in NBC's The Facts of Life and HBO's Deadwood. In 2011, she published her autobiography, I'm Walking as Straight as I Can, detailing her experiences navigating Hollywood with a disability. Geri Jewell continues to inspire others and break down barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Christy Brown, Painter, Poet, and Author

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Christy Brown was an Irish painter, poet, and author born with a severe case of CP. Despite his limitations, Christy learned to speak, read, and write with the help of his mother. He is most famous for his 1954 autobiography, My Left Foot, and for being portrayed by Daniel Day Lewis in a movie of the same name. Christy Brown continues to inspire others with his story and his artistic talents.

RJ Mitte, Actor, Producer, Model, and Activist

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Roy Frank "RJ" Mitte is an actor best known for his role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr., a character with CP, on the AMC television series Breaking Bad. RJ himself was diagnosed with CP at the age of three and used leg braces and crutches for much of his childhood. Despite these limitations, he has gone on to have a successful acting career and is a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Maysoon Zayid, Comedian and Activist

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Maysoon Zayid is a talented comedian and activist of Palestinian heritage. Despite facing physical challenges as a child, her parents ensured she received alternative therapy in the form of tap dancing classes. She rose to prominence in the entertainment industry when she was invited to appear on the Current TV show "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," where she later became a regular contributor. However, this also marked her introduction to the harsh realities of cyberbullying and criticism due to her disability. Despite these obstacles, Zayid continues to pursue her career as a performer and takes the stage regularly, including at the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival, which she co-founded with Dean Obeidallah in 2003.