#176 Glee's Lauren Potter on Down Syndrome Awareness
We are ecstatic to introduce this week’s guest, Lauren Potter! You might know Lauren as Becky Jackson from the TV show Glee. She was in all six seasons playing a character who, like her, has Down Syndrome! After graduating high school and attending college in California, Lauren began acting, starring in her first film at the age of 16. In 2012 she was nominated for a SAG award in the Ensemble in a Comedy Series category for her work in Glee, and she also received the SAG/AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the 2012 Media Access Awards.
A still from Glee of Lauren Potter as Becky Jackson and Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester.
Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge swears in "Glee" actress Lauren Potter as a member of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Looking on is Lauren's mother, Robin Sinkhorn. Photo Credit: The Press-Enterprise.
On top of being a fabulous and successful actress, Lauren is also a fierce advocate. President Obama appointed her to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. She has advocated with AbilityPath, Best Buddies International, the National Down Syndrome Society, The American Association of People with Disabilities, and Special Olympics.
We are honored to have Lauren on the show, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect with World Down Syndrome Awareness Day coming up on March 21st! This day was chosen because people with Down Syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21, so the 21st day of the 3rd month.
On This Episode We Discuss:
Photo Credit: Yahoo Images
What it is like growing up with Down Syndrome
Lauren’s experience auditioning for the role of Becky Jackson on Glee
What Lauren wants people to know about how the R word can affect people
Lauren’s advocacy work with Best Buddies and the President’s Committee for people with Intellectual Disabilities
“A Guest Room” a short film where Lauren was the lead actress and executive producer
Inspirational advice for people with Down Syndrome
Advice for parents who may have just found out their baby has Down Syndrome
Be sure to follow Lauren on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on her advocacy work and latest acting roles!
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on March 25, 2022 where we’ll be discussing whole genome sequencing with world-renowned geneticist Dr. Madhuri Hegde, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Lab Services at PerkinElmer Genomics.
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Vizgen is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of genomics, providing tools that demonstrate the possibilities of in situ single cell spatial genomics. These tools are enabling researchers to gain insight into the biological systems that govern human health and disease. Stay tuned for our full episode with Vizgen where we explore single-cell spatial genomics. Get a sneak peak by visiting their website at vizgen.com. Vizgen, leaders in spatially resolved, single-cell transcriptomics.
PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com.
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Transcript
Kira(host): Hi, you're listening to DNA today, a podcast and radio show where we discover new advances in the world of genetics.From genetic technology like CRISPR to rare diseases to new research, we have you covered. For a decade, DNA today has brought you the voices of leaders in genetics. I'm Kira Dineen, I'm a certified genetic counselor and your host.
VIZGEN is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of genomics providing tools that demonstrate the possibilities of in situ single cell spatial genomics. These tools are enabling researchers to gain insight into the biological systems that govern human health and disease. Stay tuned for our full episode with VIZGEN where we explore single cell spatial genomics.
Got a sneak peek by visiting their website at VIZGEN dot com. That's V I Z G E N dot com, leaders in spatially resolved single cell transcriptomics.
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PerkinElmer genomics is a global leader in genetic testing, focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening and hereditary cancer testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal pediatric and adult.Testing options include sequencing for target genes, multiple genes, the whole exon genome and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families, learn more at PerkinElmer genomics dot com.
Kira(host): I am ecstatic to introduce our guest Lauren Potter who you might know as Becky Jackson from the Tv show Glee. She was in all six seasons playing a character who, like her, has Down syndrome on top of being a fabulous actress. She is a fierce advocate.
President Obama appointed her to the President's committee for people with intellectual disabilities. She has advocated with AbilityPath, Best Buddies International, the National Down Syndrome society, the American Association of People with disabilities and Special Oympics. Thank you so much Lauren for joining us on DNA today. It is an honor to have you on the podcast and perfect timing with world down syndrome day on March 21. So welcome Lauren. Lauren(guest): Well,Thank you so much Kira!
Kira(host):I have to say, I'm very excited because Glee started airing in 2009 when I was a freshman in high school. So I very much grew up with Glee. Before we get into your exciting career. Can you share with our listeners what Down syndrome is if they haven't heard of it before?
Lauren(guest): Kira ,thank you for finding me by the way.To be with you and on the podcast and I'm so very excited.
Kira (host): And I don't know who's more excited, It's probably me because I'm a huge fan.
Lauren(guest): Thank you for hosting such an important discussion. First, Down Syndrome is an exciting journey in life, but it gives me a look at life that not many people get that Down Syndrome has given me not only an extra chromosome but it also has given me a lot of joy for a second. A lot of people think it's a disability, but I think it's just different. There are two ways to look at life and to love life and I absolutely love it.
Kira(host): It sounds like it's very much a part of who you are as a person.What was it like growing up with Down syndrome? Can you tell me and our audience a little bit about your childhood?
Lauren(guest): Like I said, Kira, Down Syndrome gives me an extra chromosome ,that extra little piece of material in myself means that I have worked harder and longer to do what most people do quickly. For example, it really took me two years to learn how to walk and I did learn how to read and thank goodness my family taught me sign language, which was amazing. It was really impressive.I would say,talking took years before people outside of my family could understand me and understand what I'm saying.
Kira(host): Yeah, that can definitely be a challenge. Because I think with any children, their parents usually get what they're saying and they're interpreting for other people.I'm sure your mom had situations like that. And my mom did too when I was a little kid,like I know exactly what she's talking about and other people are like, what is she saying? And I really like how you explain that the way you view down syndrome is not a disability, but that it's different and it makes you unique.
Lauren(guest): Some people with Down syndrome do have a lot of problems with their heart or with their stomach when they are born, but I was pretty healthy because my mom took really good care of me. I mean take care of me and herself when she was pregnant with me.
Kira(host): Yes,you can tell that mom loves you so much and supports you in your career with everything. And I heard that you started dancing before you started walking.So you're saying that it took you a little longer to walk than other people, but that didn't stop you from dancing before you were walking. When did you start dreaming? Like I think I want to become an actress. When did you start thinking about that? Was it from a really young age? Lauren(guest): Yes, Kira, it was a blast to dance and perform for audiences. I can remember my first recital of my dance class when I was all over, they called me on the back of the stage to take so I took a bow and when I heard the applause, I was in heaven .I knew that now I wanted to be a dancer and an actress, at the same time. And so to answer your question, Kira, I think I was about four years old when I started to dream of being an actress and it bit me hard.
Kira(host): That is so young, I did not know what I wanted when I was four.I think back then,I wanted to be like a dentist, which did not end up happening. I mean the role of Glee in playing Becky Jackson and Glee putting together being an actress and dancing. So tell me about auditioning for Glee. I know we're going back in time, I don't know if that was like 2007/2008, I want to guess, but what was the experience like auditioning?
Lauren(guest): My mom got a call from a friend in Hollywood.The woman named Gail Williamson told us that they were looking for a spunky and sassy girl who played a high school girl.
Kira(host):So you're like check, check, I'm spunky, I'm sassy.
Lauren(guest): When Kathy, the director, was looking for a girl who was smart, cute and witty, 13 other girls and hopefuls were trying for the same part, but Murphy, the producer of Glee, gave me a chance and I was so happy about it.
Kira(host):Do you remember how soon you found out that you've got the role? Was it a long time like months or was it only a few days?
Lauren(guest): It was weeks.
Kira(host):I don't know if that's long or short, I don't know about your industry too much, that feels like a long time to wait to be like, am I going to get this role? That's, that's really exciting, Ryan Murphy is such a rock star. I mean American horror story, Glee,just so many things. So I know we talked a little bit about your childhood in high school. I heard you didn't make the cheerleading squad, but then obviously in Glee you're the most popular cheerio. How did that feel to play someone that had such a prominent role and become a celebrity cheerleader?
Lauren(guest):To tell you the truth, Kira, I was devastated when they didn't pick me to be a cheerleader in my high school.I tried out and I worked really hard on it and they didn't even let me believe that it was, that I was going to be picked.
Kira(host):That must have been really hard.
Lauren(guest): Yeah, it's really hard. But unfortunately I think they didn’t pick me because I don't look like the other girls or I'm not popular enough and I'm not cool and I didn't become a prom queen at all and it was really hard and I loved it. And when my family and my parents celebrated for me to get in ,actually what happened was that we were looking at my mom's laptop, we crossed our fingers and were hopeful that I get in but sadly I tried out and I passed out and and in high school my coach told me that I failed and I kind of felt like my dreams was crushed.I kind of felt I was hurt.
Kira(host): It's something you really wanted to be a cheerleader, be part of that group. And as you said, you love performing. So you know, being a cheerleader you are constantly performing.
Lauren(guest): And thank God that when I didn't get in from my high school either, I got to be on Glee, I was a cheerleader. This sassy,spunky,little Becky.I got to be a cheerleader at Glee.
Kira(host):I'm like, yes, you're one of the most famous cheerleaders in the world. I mean let's be real, right?
Lauren(guest): I felt so relieved.I was so excited when they picked me and chose me to be this lucky little cheerleader.
Kira(host): And big part of your role on Glee was working very closely with Jane lynch. So she, for those that are kind of thinking back to Glee, she plays Sue Sylvester,the head of the cheerios, the cheerleading squad. What was it like to work with Jane?
Lauren(guest): Jane is a wonderful and kind person and she is so down to earth,whom I really love and I will always love her forever but she's not only the funniest person on earth.
Kira(host):She's hilarious, at least in the show, I mean you're talking about actually knowing her, but I mean some of her lines, I'm just like, wow.
Lauren(guest): She gives me the woman's hug more than anyone in the universe, in the world. I was working with Jane Lynch was a ton of fun and she also taught me some important acting skills.
Kira(host):What did she teach you?
Lauren(guest): She taught me at five about how she was a patient with me and she spoke with me with respect and care. My mom still hears from her now and I always text her on her birthday.
Kira(host):So you guys have a pretty good relationship that you're pretty close.Because most of your scenes on Glee ,it’s you two and obviously you're in a lot of scenes in the show ,you're in all six seasons but a lot of the scenes where you have a lot of lines, it's with her and it's the two of you.I think of one scene where they're in the principal's office and I don't remember what it was but Becky,the character that you play got mad at something, you know what I'm going to say and flipped over the xylophone or something. I feel that's the scene that is all over youtube. When she gets angry at something, she flips over the xylophone like in the hallway. Do you remember filming that scene?
Lauren(guest): I think,sometimes I do, sometimes I don't really .
Kira(host):Yeah because there's just so many.
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Kira(host): You also worked with Jane Lynch outside of Glee and you did a public service announcement for spread the word to end the word, “R” which was a campaign about ending the “R” word. Can you tell people why it's so important that they don't use the “R” word and how that can affect people like yourself and other people in the Down syndrome community?
Lauren(guest):Just to let people know how the “R “word is, what people used to say about people like me. Like all the other words that labels and insults others, like calling someone retarded can only hurt them. It kills them and it's my hope and my dreams that we can and the use of all labels to describe people who are different, the more we realize that person is a person.They have a disability, a different look, a different way to love people or have less than two arms or two Legs. We all have the same wants and needs like the need to be respected and loved and here's the thing, you can't judge people by their looks and you can't judge people for who they are.And I learned a lesson that you shouldn't judge people by its cover, if you want to do that, you have to have a good look and have somebody to talk to ,don't use these words, someone once taught me that you don't show words. Words are better than actions. You gotta show them actions are better than words.
Kira(host): Yeah, I think that's very, very powerful to hear from you and I do see a big change in the last few years that I hear the “R” word less and less, which makes me really happy that I think people are learning and especially people that are our age that are like young millennials and I think gen z the kids younger than us, I think that our generations are really not using the word as much and that's having an effect on older people too, that they're not using it as much.
So hopefully that can continue and thank you so much for being part of this campaign because I still hear people reference this campaign. So it's just awesome that you've been able to speak out and be such an amazing advocate. Another way that you're being an advocate is that I saw you speak through a video at the 23rd annual Best buddies International Leadership Conference. Best buddies is such a wonderful organization. Can you tell us a little bit more about best buddies?
Lauren(guest): Sure. Best Buddies is a wonderful organization that pairs people with disabilities with pairs without disabilities. It starts in middle school and keeps screens until after college. They help and find friends for people like me, jobs for people like me and places to live for people like me and I was honored to be an ambassador for the national best buddy sport of directors and I go to Indianapolis several times for the annual best buddies conference.I saw tons of kids and people who were excited to meet me but we're even more excited to have friendships with other buddies around the world.
Kira(host): The crowd went crazy when you're on stage, you had a lot of fans in the audience. And another thing that I saw you in was the short film that you started called the Guest room for those that maybe haven't seen the Guest Room yet. I watched it on Vimeo so you can watch it for free. I don't know if there's other places where we can buy it but can you tell our audience what the film is about.
Lauren(guest): Absolutely. The Guest Room is about a young woman with Down syndrome who becomes pregnant, she is in love with a man with Down Syndrome and they argue and and they love like a normal couple.It was a learning experience about a couple with disability and how they can fall in love like anyone and they can also have problems like anyone.
Kira(host):Yeah it was a beautiful film.
Lauren(guest): I really loved the film because it shows a lot of people that being a person with a disability is the same as being a person without a disability. We all face the same challenges. It may look different on the outside but on the inside we all have struggles with who we are and have to be related with others.
Kira(host):Yeah, I think that's very well said and and once I was looking more into the Guest Room after I enjoyed the film. I also saw that you were an executive producer which is really cool. So was that the first time you've been an executive producer? Like doing something that is on the other side of the camera that isn't acting.
Lauren(guest):Yes
Kira(host): So that must've been a really cool experience to be an actor in the film and be an executive producer?
Lauren(guest):It really is.
Kira(host):What do you like about being an actress?You've been in multiple films and movies and tv shows and obviously with Glee, what do you love about it?
Lauren(guest): I really love being in front of camera. I love having people to watch me and seeing me play the part of the other person. It was so much fun to be someone else. But a little bit while I love comedy roles like Glee and drunk history but don't worry I wasn't really actually drunk but I also loved doing dramas like Chicago med and Guest room. I love working with other actors and actresses and the great awesome crew and being on set. It is my dream come true wow.
Kira(host):I feel like you just love acting and we're going to see you a lot more in the future.
Like I hope so. I don't want you to quit acting because I want to keep watching everything that you're in.
Lauren(guest):I don't want to quit.
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Kira(host): You're a role model for so many people. I've seen so much online of people looking up to you. Can you share a couple fan interactions that you've had? I know we talked about some like Best Buddies, any that you've had that stand out to you or that you're remembering right now.
Lauren(guest): I would love to share actually. I remember one time I was shopping for groceries with my father when a woman came up to us. It said to me, are you Lauren Potter? And of course I knew immediately what this was about. I knew she had seen me on Glee and probably recognized me. But what was more important was that she took my hand and brought me her grocery cart and it introduced me to her son, a wonderful son who was about five years old at the time and had Down’s Syndrome too. And the mom was so excited to meet me. But to show her son that someone like him was famous. It was living and working at exactly where she wanted to be. I also love it when parents with little kids and babies tell me that I get them hope for their baby's future. It just makes me cry. It makes me cry sometimes really hard. It always excites me when I see and hear about people with disabilities who see Becky Jackson. It's an inspiration to work really hard and to work for their dreams of being wherever they want to be.
Kira(host): Yeah, I think it's just so powerful because a lot of people don't know that people with Down syndrome can do so much and I think it can just be great example of being an independent woman and achieving all your dreams.I mean it's really cool and I have to say even as a student,when I was earning about Down syndrome, a lot of our instructors would mention actresses and actors that have Down syndrome, including you and saying like Down syndrome as we've talked about? It's a spectrum disorder. And so some people have more challenges than others and think it's really cool that sometimes now when I'm talking to patients, I'll mention you and say, oh, have you heard of Down syndrome? Maybe they say no, I'm like, have you watched Glee? So I think it's just, it's really cool that everybody knows Glee and I think you just raised so much awareness for Down syndrome because of that. Do you have any advice for parents? Like when you met with this woman that has the baby with Down syndrome, the five year old that you mentioned, is there any advice that you told her that you tell parents?
Lauren(guest): Having a child with Down syndrome can at first be scary and confusing. Don't be a child of thousands from any differently then you would treat any other child. We know we have dreams, we make mistakes but we sometimes get into trouble I do with my parents when they are being good and when they are having trouble being good.
Kira(host):Yeah, definitely. I think it's just like every kid .We've all made mistakes, we all do things and you said just being like every other kid. That's really good advice ,Lauren .Are there any resources that you recommend for people to check out? We've mentioned films you've been in? We mentioned best buddies which is awesome. Is there anything else or those the main resources that you would point people to?
Lauren(guest):Sure, check out your look with down syndrome education and don't forget Best Buddies and Special Olympics.
Kira(host): I realized I didn't ask you about the Special Olympics. So you were an ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympics and you won some medals for competing and everything. What are your favorite sports?
Kira(host):Thank you, Kira. It was an honor to be a goodwill ambassador for special olympics. It was especially honored to be part of the worked out Summer Games celebration at the Los Angeles consortium. I even got to meet Debbie launder and so many abilities and so many awesome athletes. I also attended the 50th Anniversary for the Special Olympics at the social field in Chicago. It was so awesome and amazing and I love Tim's driver and he's such an amazing guy and I really love swimming,
Kira(host):That is awesome.You've just done so much in your career already and you're young, so we have so much to look forward to in your career ,Before we end
Is there a favorite line you have from Glee or any line that you remember that you really liked? I mean I know you have you have some that are pretty, some pretty sassy lines, I have to say Lauren(guest): There was my favorite one was when one of your episodes was called The Rocky Horror Show ,so and I was talking to Will where I said that “ give me chocolate or I will cut you. “
Kira(host):I remember that. Oh my God, that was such a good episode. That wasn't one of the earlier seasons, right? Oh my gosh, I have to say you're so much like your character in the sense that I feel like you have so much energy and positivity and spunkiness and sassiness, I just love it. I'm a huge fan of you and now I feel even more so because we've gotten to know each other a little bit here. Thank you so much, Lauren for coming on the show, it's such an honor to have you on here. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me and educate my listeners about Down Syndrome and your experience and your amazing acting and advocacy career. Thank you so much. I want people to know that they can follow Lauren Potter on twitter ,facebook and instagram all at Lauren Potter .Did I get that right,?
Lauren(guest): Yes
Kira(host):Anything else that you want to end with?
Lauren(guest): Thank you so much for everything. Thank you for inviting me here.
Kira(host)::Yeah, definitely Lauren, you're welcome back anytime, it's just fabulous to be able to talk to you and happy world Down syndrome Day ,coming up.
Lauren(guest):Thank you.
Kira(host):Yeah, definitely, we'll be posting all about this episode and tagging you and everything on social media for this, so thank you so much .
Lauren(guest):You're welcome.
For more information about today's episode, visit DNA podcast dot com where you can also stream all episodes of the show. We encourage your questions, comments, guest pitches and ideas, send them all into info at D N A podcast dot com. Search DNA today on twitter instagram Youtube, facebook so you can connect with us there and a favor. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple ,Spotify or wherever you listen. This truly helps us climb the charts and allow more genetic nerds like yourself to find the show. DNA today is hosted and produced by myself here, Kira Dineen,our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli.Thanks for listening and join us next time to discover new advances in the world of genetics.
