Chris Burke Birthday Highlights
Birth Name Christopher Burke
Place Of Birth New York, USA Age 58 years old
Birth Date August 25 1965
Chris Burke Facts
Child Star? no Occupation Actor, Singer Education & Qualifications Don Guanella School Net Worth $12,000,000
Parents Frank Burke, Mariam Burke Siblings Anne, Elle, J.R
About Chris BurkeChristopher John Burke is best known for playing Charles ‘Corky’ Thatcher in the television series, ‘Life Goes On’.Born with Down syndrome, Chris Burke has made his mark in the entertainment industry, with a successful career as an actor. He started his professional journey as an actor in 1987, with the film, ‘Desperate’.Chris Burke has decided to use his success to spread awareness about Down syndrome. In 1994, Burke became the Goodwill Ambassador of the National Down Syndrome Society. Along with actor, John C. McGliny, he featured in the corporation’s acclaimed public service statements in 1999. Burke has given many inspirational speeches worldwide, in hospitals, institutions, and events.Chris Burke also wrote ‘A Special Kind Of Hero’, his autobiography, with Jo Beth McDaniel. Burke served as the editor-in-chief of publications, ‘News ’n Views’ and ‘Upbeat’, which were written for and by individuals with Down syndrome.Keep reading to learn more about the life of popular actor, Chris Burke!Chris Burke Net Worth, Earnings & Spending HabitsWhat is Chris Burke’s net worth?Chris Burke has an estimated net worth of around $12 million as of 2022.Height, Age & Physical AttributesHow tall is Chris Burke?Chris Burke is 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) tall.How old is Chris Burke?Chris Burke was born on August 26, 1965. He is 57 years old as of August 2022.Childhood And EducationBorn to retired trade-show manager, Marian Burke, and retired NYPD inspector, Frank Burke, in Point Lookout, New York, Chris Burke was the youngest of four children. Chris Burke was born with Down syndrome, when there was still very little known about the syndrome. As such, Burke’s parents were told to send him to an institution. However, Marian and Frank Burke felt that they could look after him and nurtured his talent with the support of his siblings. Burke always appreciated movies and television shows. His family was always supportive of his interests, hobbies, and passions. However, they were hesitant about his love for acting, as they believed the entertainment industry could be pretty harsh and unwelcoming.Public schools in Point Lookout did not mainstream students with special needs in the early ’70s, so Burke joined New York’s Kennedy Child Study Center at the age of five and graduated when he turned eight. Since there were no adequate education programs for special needs students or students with Down syndrome in 1973, Burke attended the Cardinal Cushing School and Training Center based in Massachusetts.In 1978, Chris Burke moved to Don Guanella School in Pennsylvania, to join his brother, J.R., who resided nearby. After graduation, Chris Burke was employed as an elevator operator and volunteered for events at New York City’s Public School 138.The first performance of Chris Burke in a drama was in a production of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ at Cardinal Cushing School. The audience was mesmerized by the dramatic delivery of the speech Chris Burke gave, which was observed by Hollywood producer, Robert Evans, who was also a part of the audience. After receiving appreciation and acknowledgment for his work, Chris Burke gained confidence and started participating in more events, attended night classes, gave auditions, and wrote several scripts.As a youngster, Chris Burke took acting classes and lessons in filmmaking and comedy improvs at Young Adult Institute.Family, Romance, And RelationshipsWho is Chris Burke dating?Chris Burke is reportedly single as of 2022. There are very few details available relating to his past or present relationships.Career And Professional HighlightsBest Known For…Chris Burke scored his first acting role in 1987, in the ABC TV show, ‘Desperate’. His performance was commended by ABC’s executives, so they created the show, ‘Life Goes On’, based on Burke’s character, Charles ‘Corky’ Thatcher, in the lead role. It would be the first time a character with Down syndrome aired on television. Chris Burke’s role brought a revolutionary change in the industry, as it portrayed a genuine portrayal of someone with Down syndrome and altered how viewers regarded people with Down syndrome.The show, ‘Life Goes On’, propelled Chris Burke to international recognition. The show continued for four years.Chris Burke also travels with his three-person musical band, with twin brothers, Joe and John DeMasi. He joined the band as a folk singer. Chris Burke met them when he was a teenager, when the three of them were music counselors at the ANCHOR’s program for people with impairments, in Hempstead, New York. In 1998, their song, ‘Forever Friends’, won the Parents Choice Gold Seal Excellence Award. The band produced a two-episode DVD for kids, named ‘The Forever Friends Show’, and performed their signature song, ‘Celebrate’, on television.After ‘Life Goes On’, Chris Burke starred in several movies and TV shows. One of his notable guest appearances was in NBC movie of the week, ‘Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted’, alongside JoBeth Williams.Charity WorkSince 1994, Chris Burke has been the Goodwill Ambassador of the National Down Syndrome Society. He has been a part of the society’s welfare events and announcements and recently featured in the My Great Story campaign with fellow actor, John C. McGinley, and TV hosts, Nancy O’Dell and Meredith Vieira. Chris Burke travels around, attending Buddy Walks as a Goodwill Ambassador.What awards has Chris Burke won?Chris Burke has won several awards for his outstanding performances. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series in 1990, and was also nominated at the Golden Apple Awards.He won the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award in 1991, and National Rehabilitation Hospital Honoree in 1993. In 1995, Chris Burke won the Just One Break (JOB) Ability First Award, and in 1999, he was presented the Hall of Honor, AHRC award.Chris Burke’s Hobbies And InterestsBesides acting, Chris Burke likes to keep himself engaged in events and fundraisers. He often volunteers at programs for specially-abled individuals. He also likes to travel a lot.Chris Burke is also a music enthusiast and the lead singer in his three-piece band, with John and Joe DeMasi. The band regularly tours around the US.Chris Burke’s devotion and adoration for art are perceptible through his craft, whether singing, acting, or delivering inspirational speeches. His positive, touching, yet practical words have inspired many people, especially those with Down syndrome.Other Interesting Chris Burke Facts And TriviaChris Burke is a folk singer and part of a band.Chris Burke advocates for and spreads awareness of Down syndrome.He donated to the My Great Story campaign of the National Down Syndrome Society by jotting down his journey in ‘Great Expectations’.His band’s song, ‘Forever Friends’, won the Excellence Award.Chris Burke had a comprehensive proficiency in films and shows. He could remember actors’ names, even with the most minor roles, and send them emails admiring their work.Chris Burke did most of his schooling at a Catholic boarding school.American actor, Chris Burke, celebrates his birthday on August 26. He was born in Point Lookout, New York City.We would love your help! If you have a photo of Chris Burke, either of them alone or a selfie that you would be happy to share, please send it to [email protected].If you have knowledge or information that you think would help us improve this article, please contact us.
Chris Burke Birthday Highlights
Birth Name Christopher Burke
Place Of Birth New York, USA Age 58 years old
Birth Date August 25 1965
Chris Burke Facts
Child Star? no Occupation Actor, Singer Education & Qualifications Don Guanella School Net Worth $12,000,000
Parents Frank Burke, Mariam Burke Siblings Anne, Elle, J.R
Christopher John Burke is best known for playing Charles ‘Corky’ Thatcher in the television series, ‘Life Goes On’.
Chris Burke Birthday Highlights
Birth Name Christopher Burke
Place Of Birth New York, USA Age 58 years old
Birth Date August 25 1965
Chris Burke Birthday Highlights
Birth Name Christopher Burke
Place Of Birth New York, USA Age 58 years old
Birth Date August 25 1965
Birth Name Christopher Burke
Place Of Birth New York, USA Age 58 years old
Birth Date August 25 1965
Birth Name Christopher Burke
Place Of Birth New York, USA Age 58 years old
Birth Date August 25 1965
Chris Burke Facts
Child Star? no Occupation Actor, Singer Education & Qualifications Don Guanella School Net Worth $12,000,000
Parents Frank Burke, Mariam Burke Siblings Anne, Elle, J.R
Chris Burke Facts
Child Star? no Occupation Actor, Singer Education & Qualifications Don Guanella School Net Worth $12,000,000
Parents Frank Burke, Mariam Burke Siblings Anne, Elle, J.R
Child Star? no Occupation Actor, Singer Education & Qualifications Don Guanella School Net Worth $12,000,000
Parents Frank Burke, Mariam Burke Siblings Anne, Elle, J.R
Child Star? no Occupation Actor, Singer Education & Qualifications Don Guanella School Net Worth $12,000,000
Parents Frank Burke, Mariam Burke Siblings Anne, Elle, J.R
