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
If you spot a rubber band on your front door handle, you need to know the sick thing it means
Safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones is of utmost importance, particularly within the haven of our homes. Throughout history, homes have symbolized security, providing a sense of refuge for individuals and families.
The intrusion of burglaries and similar threats can shatter this sanctuary, making it crucial to stay informed about potential dangers.
Home security is a matter taken seriously by many, employing various measures such as guard dogs and exterior surveillance cameras to deter criminals. However, perpetrators constantly adapt to counter preventive measures, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Kim Fleming Cernigliaro, a Texas woman, shared a chilling experience on Facebook in 2016, shedding light on a sinister tactic employed by criminals seeking unauthorized access to homes.
She recounted an incident where a persistent, almost pounding knock at her door raised suspicions. Choosing not to answer when alone, she later discovered a rubber band around her doorknob, a device used to hold the door ajar once the latch was unlocked.
The technique involves knocking loudly to prompt the homeowner to unlatch the door, allowing the criminals to force entry without waiting for the doorknob to turn.
Kim’s post served as a warning to others, and she reported the incident to the local sheriff, who confirmed its prevalence in the area.
This cautionary tale underscores the importance of staying alert to unfamiliar situations and employing caution, even within the perceived safety of our homes.
In an era where criminals constantly evolve their methods, awareness and proactive measures are key to ensuring our homes remain sanctuaries of security. Share this information to spread awareness and contribute to the safety of others.
Leave a Reply