Encore, Geri!
Posted September 18, 2012 at 7:00 pm
By Jenna DelSignore, ContributorIt is no secret that Geri Jewell has achievements and records that people all over the nation can celebrate. But it is in Buffalo, NY that can hold the most pride because Geri shows her Buffalo born spirit everywhere she goes. On September 13, 1956, Geraldine Ann Jewell was born in Buffalo, NY with cerebral palsy.
From a young age it was evident that she was born for the stage, naturally putting a bright smile on everyone’s face. She kicked off her career in 1978, at the Comedy Store as a stand-up comedienne. Her jokes were unique, her passion was palpable, and her smile was infectious. Only two years later her jokes took a much larger stage when she performed at the 2nd Annual Media Access Awards in New York City. At this event her talent was recognized by Norman Lear who would start her easy road to fame. He soon landed her the role of “Cousin Geri” on the NBC sitcom The Facts Of Life. In this instant, Geri became the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime time series. This was a breakthrough for the film industry and a tremendous step for those with developmental disabilities. Her role on the show helped explore and expose issues that were previously unaddressed relating to disability. It helped viewers understand to a deeper level and broke barriers between them. Geri also attained the title of being the first actor with cerebral palsy featured on a TV series.
After The Facts Of Life, Geri continued her television career by appearing on the hit shows Great Space Coaster, Sesame Street, 21 Jump Street, Young and the Restless, Strong Medicine, the Emmy winning movie Two of a Kind, as well as co-starring in the independent film Night of the White Pants. Her talent did not go unnoticed because in 2004, Geri landed another major role as “Jewel” in the HBO original series Deadwood, which she would later receive an individual Emmy. Off screen, Geri inspires people across the nation through her motivational speaking on disability and diversity. She delivers her message with her witty sense of humor that evidently leaves a change in the audience. Her personal touch on the topic helps listeners see disability in the light that it should be recognized. It is not something to be sad about, it is not something to shy away from, it is not something to discriminate against, it is “the celebration of ability;” and Geri demonstrates this perfectly.
Geri has also made her way to the government by training government agencies such as the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Army. As well as being one of the original trainers in the internationally recognized disability awareness training program, WINDMILLS. Not to mention she participated in the inauguration of President Barack Obama at the United Cerebral Palsy Power and Pride Ball. As if her portfolio wasn’t padded enough, Geri has also revived her comedy roots by appearing on A&E’s Evening at the Improv, VH1’s Stand Up Spotlight, as well as many credited comedy TV shows. She has had the honor of being the opening act for Paul Anka, Robert Goulet and Judy Collins. Geri was the popular name on the ballot for the 1992 Founders Award, the 2005 Independent Living Legacy Award and the 2006 Victory Award. Her inspirational story has been documented and shared on Entertainment tonight, E Hollywood True Story, and ABC’s 20/20.
Geri’s most recent work was her autobiography titled I’m Walking as Straight as I Can released in 2011 by ECW press. The book as well as the title exposes her difficulties in life while dealing with having cerebral palsy and also being a lesbian. Her autobiography practically bleeds honesty, inspiration, and courage. It explores her journey between abuse, discrimination, Hollywood backstabbing, drug addiction, marriage and an almost fatal accident. Through it all, Geri’s humor and perseverance carries the novel to present an uplifting story that appeals to all.
And that is certainly not the last you will see of Geri! She is currently working on the TV series Alcatraz and in the process of filming the movie Pie Head: A Kinda’ True Story and the TV series Child of the 70’s. And look out for Geri in the movie My Last Breath that plans to premiere in 2014. Geri’s achievements continue to stack up as we sit back and enjoy her gleaming personality that inspires all to make a difference. Encore, Geri!
References:
Geri Jewell, 2006. http://www.gerijewell.com/index.htm
Geri Jewell, July 11, 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geri_Jewell
Nathan Southern, Geri Jewell. http://www.answers.com/topic/geri-jewell
All pictures are credited to http://www.gerijewell.com/index.htm
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