After hearing about that guy Zach Anner who is creaming the competition in Oprah's "Your Own Show" contest, I finally remembered to actually check out his audition video when alert reader Trish reminded me about it. Thanks, Trish! I was vote # 2,681,487.
I found out tonight that it is humanly possibly to laugh and cry at the same time, because that's what I did when I watched this.
First impression: Wow, that guy is handsome.
Second: Wheelchair? What wheelchair? All you can see is Zach's charisma radiating from the screen.
Third: I hope Max turns out to be like him someday—that mind! That sense of humor! (Zach described his cerebral palsy as being "The sexiest of the palsies.")
Besides the fact that Zach has a really good idea for a TV show and is genuinely funny, I adored how self-depracating he is. It feels so, so good to be able to laugh at cerebral palsy (and you know I try). It's also amazing that America could see a guy with disabilities making light of his situation. Message being, people with special needs aren't just people you cock your head at and think "Awwwww." They are not people to pity. They're people with talents, they're people to be admired, they're people who can kick other people's butts in contests, they're people
who have, hel-lo, the same variety of personalities "typical" people do. It's what I say about Max all the time: Look past his physical challenges and you'll see, HIS PERSONALITY IS NOT DISABLED.
Here is Zach's thank-you-world video on YouTube; stop by his channel to see other amusing videos. Dave, honey, I'm sorry, but I think I have a little crush going on here.
5 weeks ago
A few years ago the winner of last comic standing was Josh Blue. Dallas and I saw him a few years ago at a comedy club in Tempe Arizona. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Josh Blue has Cerebral palsy. It affects his speech, his gait and his arms. He plays for the US paraolympic soccer team.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw this and he said it was the sexiest of the palsies I died. I totally see Ty being the sexiest of the 4 year old palsies!
I hope he at least gets on!
hay ellen are u thinking of interviewing him becuase if not I would like to
ReplyDeleteThanks, I would not have realized the contest existed if you had not shared it.
ReplyDeleteZach is funny. I sure do hope he wins. Mine is #exa2,686,157
OMG that is so funny! I love the cat on his back!
ReplyDeleteI could use some parenting tips from his mother!!
Good stuff! I love him, Ellen! Can't wait to show this to the hubby tonight!
ReplyDeleteOMG, crushing on him for sure! So funny. "When life gives you wheelchairs, make lemonade!"
ReplyDeleteI wanna go on an adventure with Zach!!
Oh man...that felt good to watch! Like you, laughing AND crying at the same time!
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhoa!
ReplyDeleteCheck out John Mayer's video for Zach!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mQ2UkURtMk
I know, I saw that John Mayer video, but he's such a self promoter I didn't feel like further promoting him! :)
ReplyDeleteOh! Love it!!!! I will be telling people that Acadia's personality is NOT DISABLED!!!! Oh! My first giveaway is up on my kwilting with katie blog! Hope you'll check it out :o)
ReplyDeleteOh my god the "When I cook I usually start my pants on fire" made me laugh so hard I was crying. Awesome videos, thank you Ellen!
ReplyDeleteThe sexiest of the palsies! I love it! I cracked up watching these videos. Now I have to go update my Facebook page to say that I am in a relationship with Zach.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Such a great personality and would be a fun guy to be around!
ReplyDeleteInspiring!
I just watched the "Thank Video" after my first comment and that video might even be funnier than the first. Zach is hilarious! "My body is a wonderland" LOL I can only imagine we'll be seeing him on Oprah soon!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to watch these videos!
ReplyDeleteI make fun of my kids Deafness all the time... I can't tell you how many times a day when he misses something and gives me the "HUH?" I answer him... "What. You Deaf or something?" And we both laugh.
And I sneak up on him and scare the crap out of him. We both laugh at that too.
Just awesome! Thanks so much for posting this. Doesn't it give you so much hope for the future?? It just gives me goosebumps when I think about what Ben's going to be able to do as an adult!
ReplyDeleteI love him too! Really. So fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI think he is very handsome as well. He's a chic magnet. I laughed so hard, and my heart soar to see the possibilities. Thanks for sharing this. It made my day. He is fantastic and so talented. It will be awesome if he wins.
ReplyDeleteWow, comedians are very smart. My heart fills with hope! I don't know the details of cerebral palsy (but I do have a son with dev delay) but it is very clear his intelligence and wit are intact and unaffected.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this link. It has gone viral.
I finally got to watch these videos and this guy is HILARIOUS!! Oh man. I hope things work out for him, I'd sure watch his show :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I NEEDED this post today :)
ReplyDelete