See also Biography Index (C) :: Filmography Index (C) :: Discography Index (C)

Christopher Joseph "Chris" Burke (born August 26, 1965, in Point Lookout, New York) is an American actor with Down syndrome, best known for his character Charles "Corky" Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On. Burke is the youngest of four children of Marian Burke, a retired trade-show manager, and Frank Burke, a retired NYPD inspector. 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 untraditional they seemed for a young man with Down syndrome. Burke first set his sights on becoming a tap dancer. He later switched to acting while at the Don Guanella School. He was further inspired by attending night classes, going through auditions, writing scripts, and reading books. Burke got his first acting job in the ABC TV movie Desperate. Network executives at ABC were impressed by his performance and created Life Goes On with Burke`s character as the main role. Life Goes On propelled Burke into fame and wide recognition. Burke made several guest appearances in Touched by an Angel as Taylor, an angel who has Down syndrome. In one, the angel tells an invalid woman that God orders him to appear to those who are invalids, handicapped or have Down Syndrome to realize that there is hope for them and God knows their afflictions. Burke delivers inspirational speeches. He is the goodwill ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society. He is also a spokesperson for National Down Syndrome Congress.