“There is power in numbers, and performers with disabilities should be seen in the entertainment industry,” actress Linda Lutz said.  “I believe change is possible.”

Performers with Disabilities (PWD) are speaking out. With the growing number of performers on the PWD committee at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), its members are seeking recognition in an industry that doesn’t include them in diversity numbers. 

Linda Lutz, 60, has taken an active role on the PWD steering committee. She entered the entertainment industry after becoming the World Record holder for the longest continuous laughter. In fact, she laughed for eight hours and thirty-four minutes to earn the title. 

Lutz quickly found success as a character actress dating back to 1979. She performed in dozens of projects including the film “Space Jam,” three of David Lee Roth’s videos, and popular TV shows “Friends” and “E.R.” Most recently, she appeared in “Chelsea Lately” and a pilot, “The King Kaiser Show,” that won best in its category and best audience pleaser in the Independent TV fest last summer. 

In 1996, she suffered a brain hemorrhage after she took an over-the-counter cold medication. The ingredient that caused the stroke was found in 105 different medications and was removed from store shelves. But, the permanent damage was done. 

Lutz has no function in her left arm and soon will have a right shoulder replacement because of overuse. She has limited function in her left leg, but can walk short distances with a cane and an AFO (brace). Primarily, she uses a power scooter or wheelchair as her balance is also poor. To compound matters, her husband of 34 years passed away in 2006. 

Despite her physical condition and suffering loss, Lutz is living life as she continues to pursue acting.

“It was a different world before and after the stroke. But, I knew what I could do. With my daughter’s help, I started submitting myself on the computer through L.A. Casting, NOW Casting, and Actors Access. I started auditions again and work on student films. I see students as my future employers as they are willing to cast me in roles that I always played. Now, I’m just a character on wheels!” Lutz explained with a laugh. 

In encountering an unexpected disability, Lutz encourages those who face the same experience to know that anything is possible.

“You don’t just say ‘No, I can’t do it.’  You have to put yourself out there,” Lutz said.  “I’ve got a vision, I’ve got a dream and I’m going to reach for it.” 

Lutz makes a choice to get up every day, go out into the world to live life and embrace it.

“Every day I go to the mall or grocery shopping. I live alone, but my 12-year-old granddaughter is the light of my life.  I make myself go out into the world because it’s rewarding to do it. Life is hope and life is about doing something. If I sit and stay at home, no one else will drag me out to do it,” Lutz said. “Getting sunlight is empowering. Doing something about my situation is the sunlight and I can make a difference!” 

As for her work on the PWD Committee, she has hope for change.

“The more visible performers with disabilities are, the more it will change. It can happen. I was only 48 when this happened to me,” Lutz said. “My disability doesn’t define me. It’s part of what I am, but not who I am. When I was out shopping, there was a gentleman who was watching me get out of my car and unload my scooter off the lift on the back. He was impressed I did it all by myself. God bless him thinking he’d have to save me, but he didn’t. People stop and ask if they can help all the time. Society is more accepting of disabilities. Society is not afraid of me. I just want the entertainment industry to give us a look. Some people have blonde hair or brown skin or disabilities; we’re all different in different ways. But, we have to believe in ourselves because we can do anything.  As always, I’m still laughing!”