When James Martin was born, doctors told his parents that he might never speak. However, he did not only learn to speak, but 31 years later, on his birthday, he walked on Hollywood’s biggest stage to collect his Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, An Irish Goodbye. James became the first actor with Down syndrome to win an Academy Award. And, as icing on the cake, the entire audience sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
James Martin never let his condition hold him back.
James Martin’s father, Ivan Martin, is very proud of his son and revealed that he does everything with great gusto, and he’s very glad that his efforts have paid off.
“He has spent his life pushing the envelope. People are very good at saying, ’You can’t do this, and you can’t do that’… He’s done it, and he does it consistently,” he said.
Martin is the first person with Down syndrome to win not just a BAFTA but an Oscar too, and he’s very proud of himself. “It doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome, as long as you’re doing what you do. I do what I can to be funny,” he said.
His girlfriend also supports him and says the win was a magical moment. “It shows to everyone that it’s changing your mindset on how people with disabilities can achieve as much as everyone else can,” she declared.
For the past 10 years, Martin has been working at Starbucks.
His co-workers and manager at Starbucks are very proud of Martin and his acting success, and to support him, good-luck posters were placed in the coffee chain’s city stores.
However, Martin’s dad revealed that despite the fame, he doesn’t see his son quitting his job as a barista anytime soon.
Martin caught the acting bug after he joined the Belfast-based Babosh theatre company for children with learning disabilities.
There, Martin did all types of shows, and he enjoyed every moment spent there. This was a stepping stone for him, as he later managed to land the lead role in Ups and Downs, starring alongside actress Susan Lynch.
Martin then went on to land a role in the series, Marcella, but his role in An Irish Goodbye, which won him both a BAFTA and an Oscar, is his most high-profile role to date.
Preview photo credit MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/East News, An Irish Goodbye / First Flights and co-producers
What You Saw First Will Reveal the Whole Truth About You
Our mind is a complex and multifaceted mechanism; sometimes we don’t even know what our own personality hides. However, you can uncover the traits and secrets of your personality in a simple way: just trust your intuition and choose the first thing you see in these pictures.
Upstairs or downstairs?
- Cat heading upstairs: You don’t pay attention to details. You’re probably a little bit messy and naive. You believe in everything you see and this makes you love life.
- Cat heading downstairs: You are an attentive person and have good intuition. You pay a lot of attention to detail and like a challenge.
An old lady or a young woman?
- An old lady: You’re an experienced person. You have a critical mind, and you analyze life from every point of view.
- A young woman: You are an optimist and impulsive. You’re also happy.
What animal do you see first?
- The bull
If you noticed a bull, that means you have confidence in yourself and your actions. Being mysterious to other people makes you feel delight. However, you cannot stand it when people perpetuate lies and hypocrisy. As you have a strong sense of justice, you always try to do what’s right.
- The horse
If the horse first caught your attention you are a natural leader. You are sensitive to others and willing to put their needs first. People look up to you for your determination and your perseverance. You maintain calmness and reasonable thinking in any situation.
- The bear
Seeing a bear signifies that you are the empathetic type. You listen to the anxieties of others and make them feel safe. People don’t feel judged by you. You’re a great caretaker.
Do you enjoy learning new things about yourself? Then take a look at this article as well.
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