Chris Burke Biography

Chris Burke has become best known for his character Charles "Corky" Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On. Burke has Down Syndrome, and his parents were told to institutionalize him when he was born, but they decided to raise him at home and nurture his talents. He was encouraged to follow his career objectives no matter how nontraditional they seemed for a young man with Down Syndrome.

Burke has been the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society since 1994. He has starred in the organization's acclaimed public service announcements; with Tracey Ullman in 1999 and, more recently, for the My Great Story public awareness campaign with Actor John C. McGinley and TV Hosts Meredith Vieira and Nancy O'Dell.

As Goodwill Ambassador, he travels the country attending Buddy Walks, making public appearances, speaking with the press and greeting fans. When he is not on the road, Burke is a valued member of the National Down Syndrome Society's staff, working in their New York City office.

Burke has delivered inspirational speeches around the world and continues to speak at schools, seminars, conferences and non-profit organizations. He also tours the U.S. with his four-piece folk band, Forever Friends, for which he is the singer. Burke met his bandmates, twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi, when they were music counselors at the town of Hempstead, New York's ANCHOR program for individuals with disabilities, when Burke was a teenager. The band has released several albums and has appeared on television performing their signature song, "Celebrate."

In 1991, Burke co-wrote his autobiography, A Special Kind of Hero, with Jo Beth McDaniel. From 1994 to 2005 he was the editor-in-chief of News 'n Views and UpBeat, publications written by and for people with Down syndrome, and in 2009 he contributed to the National Down Syndrome Society's My Great Story campaign by writing his story, Great Expectations.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Chris Burke's expertise is in high demand. To book Chris Burke for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Chris Burke's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Chris Burke's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Chris Burke for your next speaking engagement.