Celebrate abilities

Chris Burke

When Chris was born with Down Syndrome in New York City in August of 1965, the doctors advised his parents to put him in an institution. The Burkes not only ignored that advice but treated Chris the same as his older brother and two sisters, a decision that has led to a remarkable life and talent!

While Chris was forced to attend private schools because of the lack of public education for children with Down Syndrome when he was growing up, he spent his summers at a camp on Long Island, N.Y. for children with disabilities. This is where he met twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi, professional musicians and published songwriters who worked there as music counsellors.

Chris is best known for his role as Charles "Corky" Thatcher on the popular TV show Life Goes On. Life Goes On was created after Burke landed the role of a boy with Down Syndrome on the ABC-TV movie, Desperate. His work so impressed the network executives that the show's producer was asked to write a show with Chris in mind.

The critically acclaimed drama series Life Goes On, which earned Burke a Golden Globe nomination aired on ABC from 1989-1993 Chris has also starred in a made for television movie called "Jonathan, The Boy Nobody Wanted", appeared in a T.V. mini series called "Heaven and Hell" and has had guest staring roles in The Commish, The Promised Land, The Division, and ER. He was also a returning cast member on the popular show Touched by An Angel where he played "Taylor, an Angel of Faith".

Chris now spends his time appearing with his friends Joe and John DeMASI at concerts all over North-America. Together, the trio has produced four albums and a music video of the song We All Walk Together; a theme song for many Downs Syndrome Organisations. Chris is also the Editor and chief of the Quarterly Magazine Upbeat produced by and for persons with downs syndrome and has co-authored his autobiography A Special Kind of Hero.