Page 55 - ABILITY Magazine -Cedric Yarbrough Issue

M
ICAH D. FOWLER represents the cusp of a new trend in Hollywood: casting actors with disabilities in lead roles. He plays JJ, a teenager with cerebral palsy (CP)
Fowler: About a year and a half ago, my agent asked me to send in a "personality tape" for an "untitled Scott Silveri pro- ject". I put together a tape of me just talking about myself and joking around. A year later, January of 2016, they had request- ed another personality tape for the same project—then titled Speechless. A few days later the agent said the casting direc- tor was sending some scenes over. I spent an entire Saturday putting together the audition tape of the six Speechless scenes. My parents verbalized all of the other character’s lines (off camera) while I reacted to all of the dialogue on cam- era. The agent told us they loved the tape and would be in touch. Two months later, I found out I booked the role of JJ on my 18th Birthday. Best birthday presnt Ever!
on the popular TV series Speechless. A native of New Jersey, the affable 19-year-old is no stranger to show biz. He’s had parts on Blue’s Clues, Sesame Street and the film Labor Day. Although JJ’s character is nonverbal, Micah is verbal and shared his thoughts on acting and other pursuits with ABILITY. When not acting, he is an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF).
Martirosyan: When did you first realize you wanted to become an actor?
Micah Fowler: I first started acting with my sister in community theater—Our Gang Players—when I was about five years old. They were doing The Wizard of Oz and 101 Dalmatians. My mom decorated a wagon for each show so my sister could wheel me on stage.
Martirosyan: Have you done much traveling, and if so, where?
Martirosyan: What was your first gig?
Fowler: I have been to England, to Bermuda, to the Bahamas and on a Celebrity cruise and a Disney cruise. I have traveled to several states on the East coast and travel back and forth from the East coast to the West coast quite a bit.
Fowler: My first gig was background work on an episode of Blues Clues. Not long after, I did two episodes of Sesame Street. I had a great time doing both. In 2013, at 15, I audi- tioned for my first role and feature film. It was for the role of Barry in Labor Day, starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, and directed by Jason Reitman. I went into New York City for two auditions and a few weeks later was shocked to find out I booked it.
Martirosyan: Besides any travel destinations, what else is on your bucket list?
Martirosyan: How is the accessibility on set, shooting different scenes? Any fun stories you can tell?
Fowler: I do not drive vehicles; I keep my driving skills to my motorized wheelchair. (laughs)
Fowler: The producers have done an amazing job making sure that everything on the set is accessible to me. I even have this really cool trailer that has a ramp off the back that allows me to get my wheelchair inside and to set up a hair and makeup sta- tion on my back porch.
Martirosyan: I recently met with Cedric Yarbrough. Cool guy. How do you feel about the dynamic between you two?
Martirosyan: Any tips for aspiring actors?
Fowler: Just as JJ and Kenneth have great chemistry on the show, Cedric and I have developed a great friendship and special bond. He is so incredibly talented and a lot of fun to be around and work with. I absolutely love when he improvises lines and makes me burst out laughing. We feel comfortable around each other and like to tease and joke around. We even have a special handshake going on. He’s just awesome! When you have a real life connection with a fellow cast mem- ber, it makes connecting emotionally onscreen easy.
Fowler: Believe in yourself first! When following your dreams don’t set limits on yourself; persevere and chase them even when it looks impossible, and keep believing in yourself!
Martirosyan: Ever run over his feet or bump him with your chair and say it was a mistake? Smiley face.
Martirosyan: If you weren't an actor what career would you pursue?
Fowler: Yes, I have run over Cedric’s foot twice and felt so bad. He was really nice about it. Also, in one scene, JJ’s used-replacement chair had a mind of it’s own and chased Kenneth [Cedric] around the set. That was fun!
Fowler: If I weren't an actor, I would pursue developing video games.
Martirosyan: Any hidden talents people aren't aware of? Fowler: Not really a hidden talent, but I know a lot of Star
Martirosyan: Have you been to the annual CSUN assistive technology conference in San Diego?
Wars’ facts.
Fowler: No, unlike my character JJ, I do speak, so I personally do not use assistive technology to speak. I have been to the Safari Park in San Diego though—what a blast!
Martirosyan: What was your experience like with the audition for Speechless?
Fowler: I definitely would love to do Comic-Con in New York and LA some day.
Martirosyan: I saw the scene in Speechless when you took the van for a spin. Any real life driving adventures?
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