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Chris Burke

Golden Globe-Nominated Actor & Down Syndrome Activist

Golden Globe-Nominated Actor & Down Syndrome Activist

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Chris Burke Biography

Chris Burke is an actor and singer who is widely recognized for his portrayal of Charles "Corky" Thatcher on the television series "Life Goes On." Born with Down Syndrome, Burke's parents nurtured and encouraged him to pursue his ambitions, leading him to a nontraditional career path for those with Down Syndrome.

Since 1994, Burke has served as the National Down Syndrome Society's goodwill ambassador, starring in its highly regarded public service announcements alongside celebrities like Tracey Ullman, John C. McGinley, Meredith Vieira, and Nancy O'Dell. As Goodwill Ambassador, he actively participates in Buddy Walks, public appearances, press interactions, and fan meetings across the country. When not on the road, Burke contributes to the Society as a valued staff member in their New York City office.

Known for his inspirational speeches, Burke continues to motivate audiences around the globe at schools, seminars, conferences, and non-profit organizations. In addition to his speaking engagements, his musical pursuits lead him to tour the U.S. with his four-piece folk band, Forever Friends, as the lead singer. Burke met band members, the DeMasi twins, during his teenage years at the ANCHOR program for individuals with disabilities. The band has since released numerous albums and performed their signature song, "Celebrate," on television.

Burke has also showcased his literary talents. In 1991, he co-authored his autobiography, "A Special Kind of Hero," with Jo Beth McDaniel. From 1994 to 2005, he served as the editor-in-chief for News 'n Views and UpBeat, publications created by and for people with Down Syndrome. In 2009, Burke contributed to the National Down Syndrome Society's My Great Story campaign by sharing his own story, Great Expectations.

Burke's acting career began in 1987 with the TV movie Desperate. Aside from "Life Goes On," his acting credits include Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted, "North and South," Book III: Heaven & Hell, "The Commish," "Promised Land," "Touched by an Angel," "The Division," and "ER." His acting prowess has earned him several accolades, including a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-series, or Motion Picture Made for TV and a Ten Outstanding Young Americans award. He was also honored by the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/25/2024.

Chris Burke Videos

  • Chris Burke: On Down Syndrome: "I'm Just Like You" | Where Are ...
  • Chris Burke: 1st Primetime TV Star with Down Syndrome | Where ...

Chris Burke Books

  • A Special Kind of Hero
    A Special Kind of Hero

FAQs on booking Chris Burke

  • How do I book Chris Burke to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chris Burke for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chris Burke, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chris Burke or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Chris Burke

    Speaking fees for Chris Burke, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Chris Burke are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chris Burke, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Chris Burke speak about?

    Chris Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Acting, Celebrity, Disability, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainment, Health, Inspirational, Leadership, Motivational, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Television & Film.
  • Where does Chris Burke travel from?

    Chris Burke generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Chris Burke’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Chris Burke for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chris Burke for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chris Burke or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Chris Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Chris Burke for your event is available upon request. Chris Burke generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Peter Dinklage, John C. McGinley, Sean Berdy, Michael McGrady and Dash Mihok. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chris Burke for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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