Chris Burke Biography
Chris Burke is an American Down Syndrome Advocate and Actor who was born and brought up in Point Lookout, New York, United States. He is best known for his character Charles “Corky” Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On. Burke’s first acting performance was in a production of The Emperor’s New Clothes at the Cardinal Cushing School.
Also, his dramatic reading made quite an impression on the audience as well as Hollywood producer Robert Evans, who happened to be in the theatre at the time.
10 Quick Facts About Chris Burke
Here is a list of 10 facts about Burke
- Name: Chris Burke
- Age: 59 Years Old
- Birthday: August 26
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Down Syndrome Advocate, and Actor
- Marital Status: Not Known
- Salary: Not Available
- Net worth: $12 Million
Chris Burke Age
Burke is 59 years old, he was born on August 26, 1965, in Point Lookout, New York, United States. Burke celebrates his birthday on August 26 every year, and his birth sign is Virgo.
Chris Burke Height
Chris Burke stands at a height of 5 feet and 4 inches(1.63 m or 163 cm).
Chris Burke Weight
Burke weighs 65 kg (143 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Burke was born on August 26, 1965, in Point Lookout, New York, United States. American public schools were not yet mainstreaming students with disabilities into general education classes in the early 1970s. Burke joined the Kennedy Child Study Center in New York City from age 5 until graduating shortly prior to his eighth birthday.
During that time, there were no suitable private education programs for students with disabilities in the area, so, in the fall of the year 1973, Burke was sent to board at the Cardinal Cushing School and Training Center in Hanover, Massachusetts.
He transferred to the Don Guanella School in Springfield, Pennsylvania, to be closer to his brother, J.R., who resided close by in 1978. In 1986, he graduated from Don Guanella. Burke served as an elevator operator and did volunteer work for programs for students with disabilities at New York City’s Public School 138 after graduation.
Rise to Fame and Breakthrough Moment
- Burke gained fame when she became the first character in a network television series with Down syndrome. His revolutionary role communicated a realistic portrayal of people with Down syndrome and changed the way audiences viewed people with disabilities.
- Life Goes On also propelled Burke into fame and wide recognition.
Major Achievements and Contributions
- Golden Apple Awards Nominee, 1990
- Ten Outstanding Young Americans, 1991
- National Rehabilitation Hospital Honoree, 1993
- Hall of Honor, AHRC, 1999
- Golden Globe Award Nominee, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV, 1990
- Just One Break (JOB) Ability First Award, 1995
Personal Life
Chris Burke Family, Parents
Burke was born as the last child of four children of Marian Burke, who is a retired trade-show manager, and Frank Burke, who is a retired NYPD inspector. Burke has Down syndrome, and his parents were told to, at a time when little was known about Down syndrome, institutionalize him when he was born.
However, they decided to raise him at home as well as nurture his talents, with the help of his 2 older sisters and brother. From his childhood, he enjoyed watching TV and movies and wanted to be on television. His supportive family encouraged him to follow his career objectives no matter how unconventional they seemed, especially for a young man with Down syndrome.
Chris Burke Siblings
Burke spent his childhood alongside his siblings, who are named JR, Ellen, and Anne.
Chris Burke Wife
Burke likes to keep her personal life private; hence, information about her dating life is under research. It is not known whether she is married, dating, or has any children. However, this information will be updated as soon as it is available.
Chris Burke Net Worth
Chris Burke’s net worth is estimated at $12 million. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Down Syndrome Advocate and Actor. Through his various sources of income, Burke has been able to accumulate a good fortune, but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts: Everything You Need to Know About Chris Burke
Here are some interesting facts you should know about Chris Burke.

Chris Burke Bio.
- Full Names: Chris Burke
- Popular As: Down syndrome advocate
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Down Syndrome Advocate, and Actor
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christian
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 59 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Date of Birth: August 26, 1965
- Place of Birth: Point Lookout, New York, United States
- Birthday: August 26
Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m)
- Weight: 65 kg (143 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Frank Burke
- Mother: Marian Burke
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): JR, Ellen, and Anne
- Marital Status: Not Known
- Husband/Spouse: Not Available
- Children: Not Available
Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $12 Million
- Salary: Not Available
- Source of Income: Down Syndrome Advocate, and Actor
Does Chris Burke have Down syndrome
Burke was born with Down syndrome at a time when little was known about the disorder, and his parents were told to institutionalize him.
Contacts
- Youtube
- TikTok
- Website
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