Blair Williamson

Blair Williamson is an adult who was born with Down syndrome in the late 1970's, a time when the word inclusion was just starting to emerge for the community with disabilities. Today Blair is an accomplished actor with some lovely credits to his name. He is and always has been an actor since he was a toddler. He finally got to share his gift with his first professional acting job in 1990. It came about through his participation in Special Olympics where he was running 440 meters, "once around the track." Procter and Gamble needed a young male, Special Olympic runner for an upcoming commercial and Blair was cast. He had such success that day that his mother made sure he was able to find more opportunities. It wasn't easy being an actor with a disability in the early 90's. But the show "Life Goes On" was in its second season and Blair was able to see a role model with Down syndrome on that show. Chris Burke who also had Down syndrome played high school student and son, Corky. The door to being an actor was slowly opening. Blair soon found additional commercial work, some student films and finally the USA Network film "My Antonia" with Jason Robards, Eve Marie Saint, and Neil Patrick Harris, directed by legendary director Joe Sargent. After 5 weeks on location in Grand Island, Nebraska with this wonderful cast, Blair found his true calling. Since that time Blair guest-starred on several shows. On CSI his character was brutally murdered and got to spend a day working with a special effects team. On "nip/tuck" his character received a nose job and he experienced having a cast of his head made and wearing prosthetics on his face. In "The Guardian" he was directed by his favorite Mighty Ducks' Coach and Emilio Estevez. On "Scrubs" where, as a patient, he was able to riff with Zack Braff off camera and work alongside Down syndrome advocate/father of Max, John C. McGinley. Blair and his girlfriend of 17 years Susie Schallert are featured in the documentary short "Hunny-Bunny" Producer David Zimmerman and Director Jayden Barriel share Blair and Susie's love story. The film has appeared in several film festivals and received honors at many. "Hunny-Bunny" may also be watched on the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge's YouTube page from their 2020 competition. Sadly, Blair lost Susie in 2021, but has this lovely little film to remember their lives together.