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
Rare, Unseen Photographs of Princess Diana, One of the World’s Most Photographed Icons
Princess Diana, affectionately known as “Lady Di,” was admired for her compassionate and nurturing spirit. She had a genuine love for people, always reaching out to those in need. Her rise to fame began with her engagement to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, thrusting her into the global spotlight. Sadly, her untimely death is often attributed to the relentless pursuit by paparazzi.
While the world is familiar with many posed photographs of the late Princess, the images that follow reveal rare, candid moments of Lady Di, capturing her authentic and unique character.’
Rare, Unseen Photographs of Princess Diana, One of the World’s Most Photographed Icons
byBrowse Feed–September 02, 20240
Princess Diana, affectionately known as “Lady Di,” was admired for her compassionate and nurturing spirit. She had a genuine love for people, always reaching out to those in need. Her rise to fame began with her engagement to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, thrusting her into the global spotlight. Sadly, her untimely death is often attributed to the relentless pursuit by paparazzi.
While the world is familiar with many posed photographs of the late Princess, the images that follow reveal rare, candid moments of Lady Di, capturing her authentic and unique character.
During a ski trip with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, Diana was seen enjoying precious moments with her boys.
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother’s iconic 12-carat sapphire ring, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in white gold. This ring, originally ordered from a Garrard jewelry collection catalog, marked Diana’s unique style among British royals.
On her wedding day, Princess Diana was so excited that she accidentally called her future husband “Philip Charles Arthur George” instead of “Charles Philip.”
Princess Diana had a tough time adjusting to her royal duties.
Her brother, Charles Spencer, revealed that wearing the tiara initially gave her severe headaches. “She had a cracking headache,” he recalled, “as she wasn’t used to wearing a tiara all morning.”
The 25-foot train on Diana’s wedding dress, though stunning, proved difficult to manage, leaving it crumpled as she entered the horse-drawn carriage.
When asked if they were in love during their engagement interview, Charles responded with, “Whatever ‘in love’ means,” while Diana confidently replied, “Of course.”
Princess Diana was hands-on in the planning of her wedding.
The dress design papers were destroyed after her approval to prevent any leaks to the press.
Among the many gifts received, the Reagans gifted the couple a handcrafted porcelain centerpiece and an engraved Steuben bowl, while other presents included gloves made from 100-year-old silk and a diamond and sapphire timepiece.
On their wedding day, it was revealed that Charles and Diana shared a common ancestor—Henry VII of the Tudors—making them 16th cousins once removed.
A honeymoon where sleep was the real treat.
When photographed on their honeymoon, a lip reader mentioned that it seemed during
their conversation, the newlyweds said, “The honeymoon was the ideal time to
catch up on sleep…”
A photograph taken in 1980 shows Diana before she entered royal life.
Diana’s visit to Angola in 1997, where she met landmine victims, showcased her compassion.
Diana is seen with her son Harry in matching outfits, playfully sticking out his tongue to the crowd.
A photo of Diana with her stepmother, whom the media labeled the “wicked stepmother” due to their turbulent relationship.
Diana was captured enjoying a holiday with her partner, Dodi Fayed, just days before her tragic death.
Diana is pictured having fun at the beach in an animal print bathing suit.
Beloved ‘People’s Princess’
Dubbed “The People’s Princess” for her love, generosity, and big heart, Diana captured the world’s affection.
Photographed in Alice Springs, Australia’s Northern Territory.
Leaving the hospital with her husband after giving birth to their first son, William.
One of the most famous photos of Diana and Charles was taken at Buckingham Palace after announcing their engagement on February 24, 1981.
Charles and Diana first greet the crowds as a married couple.
Their first kiss as a married couple.
A family photo taken on October 6, 1984, at Kensington Palace, along with moments from Prince William’s christening.
Family time!
Prince William’s christening.
The princess lovingly addresses a supporter.
Photo of the happy couple and their son William.
In this particular image, Diana’s breathtaking beauty is evident, making it perhaps the most iconic photo of the late princess ever taken.
Princess Diana was a mother, a leader, and an inspiration. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Share this article with your loved ones and keep the memory of Princess Diana alive!
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