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Disability in Hollywood: Progress and Challenges

General Report October 31, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Historical Context of Disability Representation
  3. Current Landscape of Disability Representation
  4. Notable Performances by Actors with Disabilities
  5. Challenges in Authentic Representation
  6. Impact of Disability Representation on Society
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The examination of disability representation in film and television reveals progress and ongoing challenges within the industry. Historical portrayals often perpetuated stereotypes, such as casting people with disabilities as objects of pity or humor. Notable performances by actors like Marlee Matlin and Zack Gottsagen demonstrate the potential for authentic storytelling. Statistics show that disabled individuals are underrepresented in media; they constitute 25% of the population but only 1.6% of speaking characters in top films. Initiatives by organizations like RespectAbility work towards changing this by promoting authentic portrayals of disability in Hollywood. Recent trends indicate a shift toward more inclusive representation, with projects such as 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' and shows like 'The Good Doctor' featuring lead characters with disabilities. However, progress is inconsistent, with films lagging behind television in terms of inclusive representation. The report suggests a pressing need for media to include disabled voices in creative roles and highlights the industry's role in shaping societal perceptions of disability.

2. Historical Context of Disability Representation

  • 2-1. The Americans With Disabilities Act and its Impact on Hollywood

  • Since the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, Hollywood has seen only minimal gains in terms of on- and offscreen representation of people with disabilities. According to Lauren Appelbaum, vice president of communications at RespectAbility, the fear of mishandling disability-related storylines historically led many creators to avoid such narratives altogether. However, efforts to improve the portrayal of disabilities have been put forth, such as the creation of The Hollywood Disability Inclusion Toolkit, which assists industry professionals in accurately depicting disability on screen. Despite these initiatives, the representation of disabled individuals remains lacking, particularly in top-grossing films. The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported that only 1.6 percent of speaking characters in the top 100 grossing films of 2018 were depicted as having a disability, highlighting a significant gap compared to the 25 percent of the population that identifies as disabled.

  • 2-2. Early Depictions of Disabilities in Film and Television

  • Early representations of disabilities in film and television have often perpetuated stereotypes, casting disabled characters in roles that reinforced societal stigmas. Historically, these portrayals tended to categorize disabled individuals as either objects of inspiration or the butt of jokes. Notable performances by disabled actors, although rare, began to challenge this trend. For instance, Marlee Matlin, who earned an Oscar for her role in 'Children of a Lesser God,' and Harold Russell, who won for 'The Best Years of Our Lives,' were exceptional instances where disabled actors authentically played characters with disabilities. Conversely, the Academy has often awarded able-bodied actors for portrayals of disabled characters, showcasing a long-standing disconnect between actual representation and the industry's recognition of performance.

3. Current Landscape of Disability Representation

  • 3-1. Statistics on Disability Representation in Film and TV

  • Over the past 30 years since the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990, gains in disability representation within Hollywood have been minimal. A report from the CDC in 2018 found that approximately one-quarter of the population identifies as having a physical or mental disability. GLAAD's 'Where We Are on TV' study for the 2019-20 season reported that of 879 series regulars on broadcast television, 3.1% had disabilities, a rise from 2.1% the previous season. However, USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported only 1.6% of speaking characters in the top 100 grossing films of 2018 had disabilities, highlighting a significant discrepancy between the disabled population and onscreen representation.

  • 3-2. Recent Trends in Disability Inclusion Efforts

  • There has been a noted shift in attitudes towards disability representation in recent years. RespectAbility has initiated various training sessions for significant studios such as NBCUniversal and The Walt Disney Company to foster authentic portrayal of disabilities onscreen. Current television shows like ABC’s 'The Good Doctor' and Hulu's 'Ramy' feature lead characters with disabilities. Furthermore, projects like 'The Peanut Butter Falcon,' which features an actor with Down syndrome, and the development of an indie film focusing on deaf narratives by deaf actor Nyle DiMarco, signal a growing trend in authentic storytelling that is inclusive of disabled artists and perspectives.

  • 3-3. Comparative Analysis of Onscreen Representation Across Media

  • While television sees a gradual increase in the representation of disability, the film industry’s progress remains questionable. Efforts have been made to address the lack of representation behind the camera, with initiatives such as RespectAbility's lab aimed at creating pathways for careers in Hollywood for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Black List has partnered with disability advocacy organizations to promote screenplays featuring lead characters with disabilities. However, the overall presence of disabled characters in high grossing films remains low. The Academy has historically favored able-bodied actors portraying characters with disabilities, which raises ongoing questions about the authenticity and representation of disabled individuals in mainstream media.

4. Notable Performances by Actors with Disabilities

  • 4-1. Harold Russell in The Best Years of Our Lives

  • Harold Russell starred in the classic 1946 film 'The Best Years of Our Lives,' which tells the story of three US servicemen adjusting to civilian life after World War II. Russell's character, Homer Parrish, is a veteran who lost both hands during the war. His performance earned him the Academy Award, making him the first actor with a disability to receive such recognition. Russell's ability to convey the humanity and struggles of a disabled veteran was profoundly moving.

  • 4-2. Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God

  • Marlee Matlin portrayed Sarah Norman, a deaf janitorial employee, in the 1986 film 'Children of a Lesser God.' This role garnered her the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress, making her the youngest person to win a 'Best Actress' Oscar at age 21. Her performance was significant as she brought authentic representation of a deaf character to the forefront, an achievement that still resonates in Hollywood today.

  • 4-3. Zack Gottsagen in The Peanut Butter Falcon

  • In the 2019 film 'The Peanut Butter Falcon,' Zack Gottsagen, who has Down syndrome, played the lead character, Zak. The film was developed around Gottsagen's aspiration to become a movie star. His portrayal was not only inspirational but also broke new ground by showcasing a character with a disability seeking independence and adventure, contributing to an important narrative shift in mainstream cinema.

  • 4-4. Millicent Simmonds in Wonderstruck

  • Millicent Simmonds made her breakthrough in the 2017 film 'Wonderstruck,' playing a deaf character. Simmonds, who lost her hearing at a young age, brought authenticity to her role, which was based on a popular novel about two deaf children in different time periods. Her performance was highly praised and showcased the potential of deaf actors in significant roles.

  • 4-5. Nyle DiMarco and Recent Projects

  • Nyle DiMarco, who gained fame as the winner of 'America’s Next Top Model' in 2015, is a prominent figure in the advocacy for deaf representation in media. He has appeared in various projects, including the independent film 'In the Can.' DiMarco's work emphasizes the importance of casting deaf actors authentically and showcases his commitment to raising awareness about deaf culture and accessibility in the entertainment industry.

5. Challenges in Authentic Representation

  • 5-1. Misrepresentation and Stereotypes in Media

  • The representation of disability in media has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning misrepresentation and stereotypes. Historical portrayals in films and TV often depict individuals with disabilities through a narrow lens, relying on tropes such as victims, villains, or objects of pity. This not only distorts public perception but also reinforces harmful stereotypes, making it imperative for filmmakers to engage authentically with the disabled community to challenge these narratives.

  • 5-2. The Issue of Casting Non-disabled Actors in Disabled Roles

  • A prominent issue within the film and television industry is the casting of non-disabled actors to play disabled characters. This casting practice has sparked considerable debate regarding authenticity, as it raises questions about the industry's commitment to inclusivity. Actors without disabilities often portray characters with disabilities, which can lead to inaccuracies and a lack of nuanced understanding of disability experiences. Recent initiatives advocate for hiring disabled actors, as they can bring authenticity to their roles based on personal experiences.

  • 5-3. The Need for Authentic Storytelling and Behind-the-Camera Inclusion

  • Authentic storytelling in film and television necessitates that people with disabilities are involved not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes. Inclusion in writing, directing, and production roles ensures that the narratives surrounding disability are rooted in reality and resonate with the audience. The lack of disabled voices in these critical roles often leads to a disconnect between representation and reality, making it essential for the industry to adopt a more inclusive approach to storytelling.

6. Impact of Disability Representation on Society

  • 6-1. Influence of Media on Public Perception of Disability

  • The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of disability. Reports indicate that notable performances by actors with disabilities in films and television have contributed to increased awareness and understanding of disability issues among the general audience. For instance, the documentary 'How to Dance in Ohio' showcases autistic students preparing for a social event, bringing their experiences to mainstream viewers. Additionally, Netflix's coverage on various films and shows highlights efforts toward better representation of disabled characters, promoting inclusivity within the industry.

  • 6-2. The Role of Accurate Representation in Advocacy and Awareness

  • Accurate representation in film and television serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness regarding disability issues. Films like 'Rain Man' and shows like 'As We See It' have started dialogues about autism and disability, albeit with some criticisms regarding authenticity. Recent initiatives have emphasized consulting individuals with disabilities to enhance the accuracy of portrayals. The representation of disabled characters is more than just visibility; it encourages societal acceptance and challenges harmful stereotypes, as seen in discussions around characters like those from 'CODA' and 'The Horse Boy.'

  • 6-3. Future Directions for Disability Representation in Entertainment

  • While this section is intended to focus on the current state and past data, it is essential to note the ongoing push for genuine inclusivity in Hollywood. Reports indicate a growing demand for projects led by disabled actors, which not only reflect authentic experiences but also support familiar narratives that challenge prevailing norms. Initiatives aimed at increasing hiring practices for disabled actors and creators highlight the importance of fostering diverse storytelling that resonates with all audiences. The integration of individuals from the disability community into media decision-making processes is integral to enhancing representation.

Conclusion

  • The exploration of disability representation in the media underscores significant progress but reveals numerous barriers to authentic storytelling. Performances by Marlee Matlin and Zack Gottsagen illustrate the powerful impact of genuine representation, showing that narratives crafted by and for individuals with disabilities resonate deeply with audiences. However, RespectAbility’s research reveals that disabilities are underrepresented, especially in top-grossing films, counter to TV's modest but growing inclusivity. The disparity highlights entrenched industry practices, such as casting able-bodied actors in disabled roles, which limit authentic representations. Addressing these practices is crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive media landscape. Moving forward, initiatives should emphasize employing disabled talents in front of and behind the camera, ensuring cultural accuracy and representation. Greater inclusion of disabled professionals in decision-making roles can redefine storytelling norms, improving how disabilities are portrayed and perceived. Furthermore, as societal awareness increases, so does the demand for platforms that support disabled actors, encouraging projects that challenge stereotypes and allow disabled artists to express their narratives authentically. The future of disability representation depends on sustained advocacy, and inclusive practices that offer equal storytelling opportunities.

Glossary

  • RespectAbility [Nonprofit organization]: RespectAbility is dedicated to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of society, particularly in the entertainment industry. The organization has developed resources such as the Hollywood Disability Inclusion Toolkit to support creators in authentically representing disabilities onscreen.
  • Marlee Matlin [Actor]: Marlee Matlin is an acclaimed deaf actress known for her role in 'Children of a Lesser God,' for which she won an Academy Award. As a prominent advocate for disability awareness, Matlin's career has significantly impacted the representation of deaf individuals in media.
  • Zack Gottsagen [Actor]: Zack Gottsagen is known for his role in 'The Peanut Butter Falcon,' which marked a significant moment in the representation of individuals with Down syndrome in film. His participation in mainstream media has sparked conversations about inclusivity and authentic storytelling.

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