You know him as Lieutenant Dan, the surly commanding officer and later shrimp boat partner of Forrest Gump. No matter what role he plays, award-winning actor Gary Sinise conveys a powerful, searing presence on screen, TV, and the stage. An Illinois-native, he’s the co-founder of the famed Steppenwolf Theater Company and has starred in ... Read more
Holly Robinson Peete — From Acting To Giving
Circa 2007 HOLLY IN BLOOM A Popular Actress Springs Into Philanthropy As a budding star, Holly Robinson Peete was eager to play opposite her dad, Matt Robinson, the lovable Gordon on Sesame Street, but she flubbed her line. That turned out to be only a speed-bump on the road to success. She went on ... Read more
Ryan Dungey Foundation
After a successful motocross career, winning nine AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships, Ryan Dungey is riding with purpose. Dungey founded the Ryan Dungey Foundation that connects his love of motocross and biking with supporting the health and wellbeing of children. So, instead of racing, Dungey spends his time giving back to the community ... Read more
Greg Grunberg & Celebrity Friends Talk About Epilepsy and Beyond!
Greg Grunberg is known for much more than his roles in “Heroes” and “Star Wars.” Beyond his acting, production company and playing in celebrity cover bands, Greg Grunberg dedicates time to his passion of building awareness of people with epilepsy and other disabilities through celebrity podcasts, videos and other creative productions. ABILITY’s Chet Cooper, ... Read more
Randy Travis interview along with Mary Travis
With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest multi-genre record sellers of all time and a recent inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammy Awards; 11 Academy of Country Music statuettes; 10 American Music Awards; two People’s Choice ... Read more
Joe Pantoliano, aka Joey Pants
Jun/Jul 2012 ABILITY’s Chet Cooper met up with Joe Pantoliano, aka Joey Pants, at a Belgian restaurant in New York City recently. The popular character actor has appeared in such films as Risky Business, The Fugitive and The Matrix. His skill at playing scumbag mobster Ralph Cifaretto on the hit HBO series The Sopranos ... Read more
Harkin Summit – Boost Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
For decades, former Senator Tom Harkin has actively championed the rights of people with disabilities. First serving in the US House of Representatives and later in the Senate from 1985 to 2015, the Iowa native helped craft and introduce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1988. Although ostensibly retired, he remains active in ... Read more
Kathy Buckley — Comedian, Author, Deaf Advocate
If you haven’t heard of Kathy Buckley, then drop whatever you’re doing and Google her. Watch her on YouTube, find her on Amazon. You won’t be disappointed. Known as America’s first deaf comedienne, she’s wickedly funny and highly inspirational. But she’s more than just a comic; her humor is infused with a higher purpose: ... Read more
Jane Seymour From the Heart
Jane Seymour has lit up the big screen for decades. Audiences first swooned over her classic English features as the James Bond girl in Live and Let Die and later in Somewhere in Time, a sci-fi romance in which she played the love interest of actor Christopher Reeve. She has built a robust career ... Read more
Nic Novicki–Film Challenge
For Nic Novicki, there’s no task too great. Whether in front of the camera, where he’s acted on The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire and Private Practice or behind the scenes writing, directing and producing short films, web series, or independent feature films, the guy is adept at just about any role he finds himself in. ... Read more
