Andrea Fay Friedman Dies at 53

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Andrea Fay Friedman, "Life Goes On" Actress with Down Syndrome, Dies at 53
by Valerie Wu
Dec. 5, 2023


Andrea Fay Friedman, an actress with Down Syndrome who appeared in drama television series “Life Goes On” and Joseph Travolta’s family drama “Carol of the Bells,” died Sunday in Santa Monica from complications due to Alzheimer’s. She was 53.

One of her well-known roles was in “Life Goes On” as Amanda Swanson, the girlfriend of Charles “Corky” Thacher (Chris Burke), who later become Corky’s wife on the show.

Friedman contributed to much-needed representation for individuals with Down Syndrome in the world of entertainment. She has appeared in episodes of “Baywatch”, “Chicago Hope”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “ER”, “The Division”, and “Saving Grace”.




In 2010, Friedman voiced a character with Down syndrome, Ellen, in an episode of “Family Guy”.

In the cartoon, asked about what her parents do, Ellen says, “My dad’s an accountant and my mom is the former governor of Alaska,” the latter part referencing Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin’s son, Trig Palin, who also has Down syndrome.




Palin slammed the reference during an appearance on Fox News, stating that “some things just aren’t really funny” and that such a depiction was the product of “cruel, cold-hearted people.”

“I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor,” Friedman said in response.

https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/and...on-1235823473/