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Chris Burke

Chris Burke

Keynote Speaker: Actor & Down Syndrome Activist

Chris Burke Biography

Chris Burke has become best known for his character Charles "Corky" Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On. Burke has Down Syndrome, and his parents were told to institutionalize him when he was born, but they decided to raise him at home and nurture his talents. He was encouraged to follow his career objectives no matter how nontraditional they seemed for a young man with Down Syndrome.

Burke has been the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society since 1994. He has starred in the organization's acclaimed public service announcements; with Tracey Ullman in 1999 and, more recently, for the My Great Story public awareness campaign with Actor John C. McGinley and TV Hosts Meredith Vieira and Nancy O'Dell.

As Goodwill Ambassador, he travels the country attending Buddy Walks, making public appearances, speaking with the press and greeting fans. When he is not on the road, Burke is a valued member of the National Down Syndrome Society's staff, working in their New York City office.

Burke has delivered inspirational speeches around the world and continues to speak at schools, seminars, conferences and non-profit organizations. He also tours the U.S. with his four-piece folk band, Forever Friends, for which he is the singer. Burke met his bandmates, twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi, when they were music counselors at the town of Hempstead, New York's ANCHOR program for individuals with disabilities, when Burke was a teenager. The band has released several albums and has appeared on television performing their signature song, "Celebrate."

In 1991, Burke co-wrote his autobiography, A Special Kind of Hero, with Jo Beth McDaniel. From 1994 to 2005 he was the editor-in-chief of News 'n Views and UpBeat, publications written by and for people with Down syndrome, and in 2009 he contributed to the National Down Syndrome Society's My Great Story campaign by writing his story, Great Expectations.

In 1987, he began his acting career in the TV movie Desperate. He then appeared on Life Goes On, Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted, North and South, Book III: Heaven & Hell, Commish, The Promised Land, Touched by an Angel, The Division, and ER.

He has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for TV and a Golden Apple Awards. He won a Ten Outstanding Young Americans award and was a National Rehabilitation Hospital Honoree.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Chris Burke and other top speakers and celebrities.

Chris Burke Videos

Chris Burke: On Down Syndrome: "I'm Just Like You" | Where Are ...
Chris Burke: 1st Primetime TV Star with Down Syndrome | Where ...

How do I book Chris Burke to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chris Burke for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chris Burke, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chris Burke or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Chris Burke for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Chris Burke, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chris Burke, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Chris Burke speak about?

Chris Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Genetics, Acting, Celebrity, Entertainers, Disability, Diversity, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Growth and Teamwork & Teambuilding.

Who is the agent for Chris Burke?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Chris Burke for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chris Burke for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chris Burke or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Chris Burke is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Genetics, Acting Speakers and Celebrity. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Chris Burke can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Peter Dinklage, John C. McGinley and Sean Berdy. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chris Burke for an upcoming event.

Chris Burke Videos

Chris Burke: On Down Syndrome: "I'm Just Like You" | Where Are ...
Chris Burke: 1st Primetime TV Star with Down Syndrome | Where ...
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