Chris Burke Biography
Chris Burke is an American Down syndrome advocate who was born in Point Lookout, New York, U.S. as Christopher Joseph “Chris” Burke. Previously, he was an actor as well as a folk singer. He is best known for his character Charles “Corky” Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On.
10 Quick Facts About Chris Burke
- Name: Chris Burke
- Age: 55 years
- Birthday: August 26
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Down Syndrome Advocate, Former Actor and Folk Singer
- Marital Status: Not Known
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $12 Million
Chris Burke Age
Christopher Joseph “Chris” Burke was born on August 26, 1965, in Point Lookout, New York, United States. Burke celebrates his birthday on August 26 every year. He is 54 years of age as of 2019. He will be 55 years old as of 2020.
Chris Burke Height
Burke is a man of average stature, he also appears to be quite tall in stature in his photos. He stands at a height of 5 feet and 4 inches(1.63 m or 163 cm). He has both brown eyes and hair color. However, details regarding his actual weight and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We are keeping tabs and will update this information once it is out.
Chris Burke Education
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., 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.
Chris Burke Family-Parents and Siblings
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. Two of his siblings are named JR, Ellen, and Anne.
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 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
Burke has an estimated net worth of $12 Million dollars. He has accumulated his net worth as an actor and a folk singer.
Chris Burke Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Chris Burke.
Chris Burke Wiki
- Full Names: Chris Burke
- Popular As: Down syndrome advocate
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Actor
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christian
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Chris Burke Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 54 years of Age
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Date of Birth: August 26, 1965
- Place of Birth: Point Lookout, New York, United States
- Birthday: August 26
Chris Burke Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be updated
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 4 inches
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: To be updated
Chris Burke Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Frank Burke
- Mother: Marian Burke
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): 2 older sisters and brother
- Marital Status: To be updated
- Husband/Spouse: Not Available
- Children: To be updated
Chris Burke Networth and Salary
- Net Worth: $12 Million dollars
- Salary: To be updated
- Source of Income: Down syndrome advocate and previously
Chris Burke Acting
Burke began his acting career in a production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” at the Cardinal Cushing School. His dramatic reading made quite an impression on the audience and Hollywood producer Robert Evans who happened to be in the theatre at the time.
This role inspired him to participate in a talent show after he moved to Don Guanella, in which he acted like a zombie in a reenactment of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video. He continued to hone his talent by attending night classes, going to auditions, writing scripts, as well as voraciously reading books about his favorite actors.
Burke got his first real professional acting job in the year 1987 in the ABC TV movie Desperate. Network executives at ABC were impressed by his performance in Desperate as well as created Life Goes On with Burke’s character, Charles “Corky” Thatcher, as the main role. Corky was the first character in a network television series with Down syndrome.
Burke’s revolutionary role conveyed a realistic portrayal of people with Down syndrome as well as changed the way audiences viewed people with disabilities. Life Goes On propelled Burke into fame as well as wide recognition. The series was from 1989 to 1993.
Since Life Goes On, he has made performance on several TV shows and movies, most notably co-starring alongside JoBeth Williams in the NBC Movie of the Week Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted.
Chris Burke Down syndrome advocacy
Burke since 1994, has been the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society. He has appeared in the organization’s acclaimed public service announcements alongside Tracey Ullman in 1999 as well as, more recently, for my Great Story public awareness campaign with Actor John C. McGinley and TV Hosts Meredith Vieira and Nancy O’Dell.
As Goodwill Ambassador, Burke travels the country attending Buddy Walks, making public performance, speaking with the press as well as greeting fans. When he is not on the road, Burke is a valued member of the National Down Syndrome Society’s staff, serving in their New York City office.
Burke has delivered inspirational speeches around the world as well as continues to speak at schools, seminars, conferences as well as non-profit organizations. Also, he tours the U.S. with his 3 pieces musical group, “Chris Burke with Joe and John DeMasi”, 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 group has released four albums. “Lollipops as well as Love Songs” was released in the year 1993. They signed a record deal with BMGKidz as well as released “Singer with the Band” in the year 1994. This was followed up by the release of “Forever Friends” which won a Parents Choice Gold Seal for Excellence Award and “A World of Kindness” in 1998. They also have produced a two-episode DVD for children called “The Forever Friends Show” and have starred on television performing their signature song, “Celebrate.”
Burke co-wrote his autobiography, A Special Kind of Hero, with Jo Beth McDaniel in the year 1991. He was the editor-in-chief of “News ‘n Views” and “UpBeat”, publications are 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” from 1994 to 2005.
Chris Burke Movies
- Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted – 1992
- Mona Lisa Smile – 2003
- Desperate
Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Burke
Who is Chris Burke?
Chris Burke is an American Down syndrome advocate who was born in Point Lookout, New York, U.S. as Christopher Joseph “Chris” Burke. Previously, he was an actor as well as a folk singer.
How old is Chris Burke?
Chris is an American national born on 26th August 1965, in Point Lookout, New York, United States.
How tall is Chris Burke?
Burke stands at a height of 1.63 m
Is Chris Burke married?
Details about his love life are still under review. We will let you know when he gets in a relationship or when we discover helpful information about his love life.
How much is Chris Burke worth?
Burke has an approximate net worth of $12 Million dollars. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Where does Chris Burke live?
Burke is a resident of New York City, USA, we shall upload pictures of her house as soon as we have them.
Is Chris Burke dead or alive?
Burke is alive and in good health. He 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.
Where is Chris Burke Now?
Actor: Burke is serving as a Down syndrome advocate.
Chris Burke Social Media Contacts
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