About

On January 26, 1969 I came into this world a little bit differently.  I was born with an extremely rare neurological disorder called Moebius syndrome, a condition which left me with a bilateral facial paralysis. Undaunted by many of the obstacles created by my condition, and encouraged by a close-knit community of family and friends, I completed high school and obtained two college degrees in English and medical transcription. However, it is my passion for the arts that has been the main focus of my life.

I’ve been a performer my entire life. Some of my earliest memories are of me sitting for hours beside the speakers of our record player. At the age of 2, my mother bought me a xylophone. I’d been listening to the theme song from the movie Patton and was able to play it note for note on the xylophone, which my mother took as a sign that I had perfect pitch. At the age of 4, I taught myself to read and began writing shortly thereafter.

My first real taste of theatre, however, didn’t occur until high school, and it began as an outgrowth from singing, which I’d done since first grade. Even though I knew my facial paralysis and speech impediment would be problematic in getting me cast in major parts throughout high school, I was still used in musicals because of my excellent singing voice. Eventually I worked up the courage to ask for a major part and was rewarded by playing the role of Doody in Grease in my senior year. While I found this very encouraging, and I continued to perform throughout college and beyond primarily as a singer, I felt discouraged about trying to make a professional career out of being a performer since I saw so few opportunities for an actor with a disability to make it in the industry.

All that changed when I happened upon an article in The Oregonian about an actor who had suffered a devastating injury but had continued to work in show business. Robert David Hall was involved in a life-threatening motor vehicle accident, his car having been run over by an 18-wheeler. He suffered third-degree burns over 65% of his body and lost both of his legs but continued to find work in Hollywood, including acting on CSI for 15 seasons as Dr. Albert Robbins, the coroner. This was my inciting incident that basically kicked me into high gear. I immediately started looking for an acting class on film, which led to me finding an acting coach who eventually became my agent within the year.

In addition to showcasing my work as a writer, singer, and actor, I will be documenting my travels both within the United States and abroad. “Freedman on the Go” is just that – your friendly artiste as he continues both his physical and spiritual journeys throughout life who also provides friendly commentary and advice along the way. While most of my writing is primarily in science fiction and fantasy, as a longtime advocate and volunteer in the LGBTQ and other communities, I will be commenting on some of these issues on a regular basis. And yes, this also includes discussing disability issues in what I hope will be an informative and humorous way.

Please feel free to peruse the site.  My pages for my resume, head shots, and links to my videos and other sites are now open for viewing, and I will be adding new essays, poetry, and fiction on a regular basis.  I look forward to reading your comments and impressions!