I was talking to a friend about Brock Waidmann, the boy with spina bifida I mentioned earlier today for his upcoming roll as a child with a disability in NBC's The Paul Reiser Show, and she mentioned another young actor whose disability I had somehow never heard about -- Atticus Shaffer, who plays the amusingly odd Brick on ABC's The Middle. If you've noticed something unusual about the little guy's shoulders or the way he walks, it's not an acting choice, but the result of osteogenesis imperfecta. According to a Shriner's newsletter, 11-year-old Atticus has Type IV OI, and his mother has Type I.
The Hollywood Mom Blog quotes Atticus as saying of OI, "It's a small portion of me and nothing more. I take extra precautions where I step to make sure it's safe. And I shouldn't do anything with heavy lifting or anything that could make me slip and fall." And probably use a stunt double for scenes like the one where Brick gets hit by a beer can.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
THANK YOU!!!! First of all, it’s our favorite show (followed closely by “Modern Family”!) Just last week my husband and I were talking about the way he carries himself. I have a friend who’s family has OI (her mom and sister both have OI type IV) and his facial features along with his “no neck” body carriage reminded me of my friend’s family members, but OI never occurred to me. So, thanks for clearing that up! And, I have to say, he does a spectacular job of playing Brick! All the kids really play their roles well on that show.
I was just watching the show and just said to myself, he looks like he has OI. I myself have it and just the way he looked and walked it just like me.
I need to see the show my sister send me a news paper clipping on your son. great job I have been trying to get two of my kids into acting they both have oi 1 and are 16 and 13 and have both broken over 50 bones. My youngest want to act but she is in and out of wheel chairs my son looks young but we just cant seem to get in > do you have any sugestions? did you make it to the OI convention this year?
Absolutely amazing. I think Atticus’ character on the middle is great because the show does not portray him as a disabled child, he is just a disabled actor. One has nothing to do with the other. I commend ABC and their writers.
I myself have type 3 OI and am an active 28 year old women. I work in Human Resources and am married to a wonderful able bodied man who sees me for me. In addition I am so fortunate to have been treated that the Montreal Shriners hospital and am the spokesperson for them. I have a full life and like Atticus, having OI is only a part of who I am, it does not define me.
Great article!
Wow…I’ve never heard of OI. I was curious to find out if “Brick” had a genetice disorder because his facial features are strikingly similar to my 8 yr old son who has “Di George Syndrome” (also known as 22q11.2 deletion). There are so many disabilities out there that are unknown to most of us but it’s great to see how these children can be so strong. They are inspirational!
I work with children who are differently abled, and my mother has cerebral palsy. I am so glad to see ABC once again dislaying disabilityies in a positive light. I am overjoyed that he is employed and doing a darn good job. Keep up the good work “Brick”.