Actor Burke will lead Boardman Buddy Walk

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

Chris Burke starred in the hit television series ‘Life Goes On.’

BOARDMAN — When Chris Burke was born with Down syndrome — the most common type of chromosomal birth defect — in 1965, doctors advised his parents to put him in an institution with other disabled children.

Instead, they decided to take him home and treat him the same way as his siblings.

Since then, Burke has gone on to star as Corky in the hit television series “Life Goes On,” earn a Golden Globe nomination and record four albums with Joe and John DeMasi.

It’s his role as a spokesman for the national Down Syndrome Association, however, that he values most.

“I know what it’s like growing up with Down syndrome,” said the 42-year-old actor. “The fact is that when I was growing up, I just wanted to be treated like everyone else.”

That’s part of the message Burke will bring to Boardman today as he leads the first Buddy Walk, an event to raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV).

“I go to about 15 Buddy Walks a year, and they’re all about celebrating our abilities,” Burke said.

The half-mile walk starts at 10 a.m. at the Boardman Target, circles the Shops at Boardman Park and finishes in the southwest corner parking lot. People may do more than one lap if they like. DSAV is affiliated with the national Down Syndrome Society, which started the Buddy Walk in the mid-1990s.

In addition to leading the Buddy Walk, Burke will perform with the DeMasi brothers’ band at 11 a.m.

“I’m always so moved by the fans,” he said. “But I don’t think about success because it’s just fun for me.”

After appearing on television movies and series, Burke said that his other goals are to work behind the scenes of a musical or act in a feature film. He’s been offered movie scripts but has turned them down because of the type of character.

“I don’t like writers who write negatively about people with disabilities,” he said.

Burke also doesn’t like the casting of an actor without a disability to portray a character with one.

“As someone who’s worked with special needs people, I’ve never seen actors capture the essence of someone with a disability. It becomes more of a caricature,” said John DeMasi, who performs with Burke and has known him for almost 30 years.

While waiting for the right script to come his way, Burke will continue be an advocate for children with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

“Buddy Walks are really great and show the positive outlook for children with Down syndrome,” Burke said. “I’m happy about my life and I’m really blessed.”