When James Martin was born, doctors told his parents that he might never speak. However, he did not only learn to speak, but 31 years later, on his birthday, he walked on Hollywood’s biggest stage to collect his Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, An Irish Goodbye. James became the first actor with Down syndrome to win an Academy Award. And, as icing on the cake, the entire audience sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
James Martin never let his condition hold him back.
James Martin’s father, Ivan Martin, is very proud of his son and revealed that he does everything with great gusto, and he’s very glad that his efforts have paid off.
“He has spent his life pushing the envelope. People are very good at saying, ’You can’t do this, and you can’t do that’… He’s done it, and he does it consistently,” he said.
Martin is the first person with Down syndrome to win not just a BAFTA but an Oscar too, and he’s very proud of himself. “It doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome, as long as you’re doing what you do. I do what I can to be funny,” he said.
His girlfriend also supports him and says the win was a magical moment. “It shows to everyone that it’s changing your mindset on how people with disabilities can achieve as much as everyone else can,” she declared.
For the past 10 years, Martin has been working at Starbucks.
His co-workers and manager at Starbucks are very proud of Martin and his acting success, and to support him, good-luck posters were placed in the coffee chain’s city stores.
However, Martin’s dad revealed that despite the fame, he doesn’t see his son quitting his job as a barista anytime soon.
Martin caught the acting bug after he joined the Belfast-based Babosh theatre company for children with learning disabilities.
There, Martin did all types of shows, and he enjoyed every moment spent there. This was a stepping stone for him, as he later managed to land the lead role in Ups and Downs, starring alongside actress Susan Lynch.
Martin then went on to land a role in the series, Marcella, but his role in An Irish Goodbye, which won him both a BAFTA and an Oscar, is his most high-profile role to date.
Preview photo credit MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/East News, An Irish Goodbye / First Flights and co-producers
Breaking: Prince William and Kate Middleton Release a Moving Statement Amidst Cancer Battle
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer. Her grace and bravery are being praised by people worldwide. Now, the Royal couple has issued a public statement together and addressed the public and their sentiments.
Kate’s battle with cancer.
© princeandprincessofwales / Instagram
Kate, at 42 years old, bravely shared her health struggles with the world. She underwent surgery in January, initially believed to be for a non-serious condition. However, subsequent tests revealed a cancer diagnosis.
William and Catherine released a statement.
Prince William and Princess Kate have been deeply moved by the wave of support following the announcement of Kate’s health condition. A statement from Kensington Palace highlighted their appreciation for the kind words from people during this time. «The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message»
© princeandprincessofwales / Instagram
«They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time,» shared a spokesperson. A source also revealed that the couple chose to delay the public announcement until the Easter vacation commenced for their children, allowing the family a private window to digest the developments before it became a subject of global conversation.
In Kate’s hard time, her brother has come forward to show her support. You can read his sweet tribute to her here.
Leave a Reply