Join us as we meet ten famous people with Down syndrome!
The public often misperceives people with Down syndrome. People see them as needing lots of help with everything in life, almost as if they stay children forever. This perception needs to change. People with Down syndrome are capable, creative, and intelligent.
Down syndrome is like many other learning disabilities; you learn to adapt to it. Plenty of famous people with Down syndrome perfectly prove this point.
Follow along as we discuss 10 celebrities with Down syndrome, each an inspiration to us all!
Madison Tevlin
Madison Tevlin is one of the rising stars in the celebrity world. She recently went viral for her performance in an ad challenging stereotypes and prejudices about Down syndrome. She has done wonders for teaching the world some of the biggest misconceptions about people with downs.
Madison is also a powerful online influencer with 235,000 Instagram followers and a strong TikTok following.
Zack Gottsagen
In 2020, Zack Gottsagen made history at the Academy Awards in Hollywood. He became the first actor with Down’s syndrome to present an Oscar. It was a vast barrier-shattering moment; his presence on stage was a welcome sight.
Zack fought hard over the years to break into Hollywood, noting the lack of parts for Down syndrome actors.
Thanks to some incredible work behind the scenes, he got an indie movie produced with him in the starring role. The movie Peanut Butter Falcon became the highest-grossing independent movie of 2019.
Grace Strobel
Grace Strobel is an inspirational 27-year-old model and speaker with Down syndrome. She is the first American with Down Syndrome to represent a major international skincare line, Obagi Clinical. She recently signed her third-year contract.
Grace has also modeled for Rihanna’s FentyBeauty, Marc Jacobs, Justin Alexander, Amika, Veronica Beard, Revelry, and the Alivia Clothing line. She has been featured on many notable platforms, including The Today Show, Forbes, Allure, PBS, Lady Gaga’s Kindness Channel, and more!
As a featured panelist on the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and Council of Fashion Designers America Diversity webinar series, Grace proves the importance of inclusion.
Grace’s ambition and achievement serve as an inspiration to us all!
Tommy Jessop
Line of Duty is one of the most successful police dramas of modern times. This British show has won accolades across six seasons and garnered an audience worldwide. Tommy Jessop has been at the heart of the show’s success, with powerful performances and impeccable acting skills.
Tommy is also the first Down syndrome actor to play Hamlet in a touring theatrical production.
Ellie Goldstein
Ellie Goldstein is a professional model with Down syndrome who works with luxury designs worldwide. She rose to prominence for her role in a Gucci campaign, which made her the first Down syndrome model to appear in a luxury fashion brand’s advertising.
Goldstein paved the way for many other women and men to secure modeling jobs.
Pablo Pineda
Few people have had the cultural impact that Pablo Pineda has. Americans may not know this Spanish actor, but he’s a huge deal across Europe. He won the Silver Shell Award in 2009.
Pablo also became the first person with Down syndrome on the entire continent to obtain a university degree. He earned a BA in Educational Psychology.
Lauren Potter
Lauren Potter is one of the most well-known actresses who has Down syndrome. She’s played in many productions, including the critically acclaimed Glee and Veep.
She also served on President Obama‘s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. It is wonderful to observe her fight for better disability rights.
Collette Divitto
While most people on this list gained fame in Hollywood, Collette Divotto is different. She started a company called “Colletey’s Cookies” after many local bakeries denied her work. It has grown an impressive audience on Instagram, with nearly 50,000 followers.
Collette says she hopes to hire more staff with disabilities and give them good jobs with great wages.
Chris Nikic
Chris Nikic is the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon.
An Ironman triathlon includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, all completed within 17 hours.
His accomplishment highlights the capability of people with disabilities in sports. Since then, he has become a motivational speaker and advocate for inclusion.
Isabella Springmuhl Tejada
Isabella Springmuhl Tejada is a Guatemalan fashion designer who gained international recognition for her work in the fashion industry.
She is the first designer with Down syndrome to present her collection at London Fashion Week.
Springmuhl Tejada has received widespread acclaim for her designs. Her success has challenged stereotypes and inspired many individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
Madeline Stuart
Madeline Stuart is an Australian model known for breaking barriers in the fashion industry. She gained international attention for her successful modeling career, which began at Fashion Week in 2015. Stuart’s aim has been to promote greater diversity in the fashion world.
Since beginning her modeling journey, Stuart has appeared in many fashion shows, including New York Fashion Week. She works with many brands and designers and uses her platform to advocate for inclusion.
More Famous People with Down Syndrome
These people inspire children today. All children deserve to grow up knowing that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to!
To meet more famous people with Down syndrome, check out…
Actor: Chris Burke
TV show host: George Webster
Actress: Sarah Gordy
Athlete: Tim Harris
Actress: Sophia Sanchez
Politician: Mar Galceran
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day! Join us in celebrating by wearing mismatched socks. For more information on Down syndrome and developmental disabilities, check out the National Down Syndrome Society.
For more information, check out our free lesson plans and videos!
