In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2023
Hollywood has suffered a great loss.
Andrea Fay Friedman, a talented actress with Down syndrome known for her groundbreaking role in the ’90s television comedy Life Goes On, passed away Dec. 3 from complications due to Alzheimer’s, her father confirmed to the New York Times. She was 53.
In 1992, the California native became one of the first actors with Down syndrome to appear in a television series, portraying the character of Amanda Swanson in ABC’s Life Goes On. After two seasons, Friedman went on to land guest spots in shows including Baywatch, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Law & Order: SVU.
Notably, on Family Guy, Friedman voiced Ellen, a character with Down syndrome. During the episode, her character made a reference to Sarah Palin and her then 15-year-old son Trig, who also has Down syndrome. After the episode aired, Palin criticized the show, calling it the work of “sick, cold-hearted people.”
In response, Friedman stated that her character should serve as an inspiration to others: “I believe former Governor Palin lacks a sense of humor.”
“In my family we believe laughing is good,” Friedman told the New York Times at the time. “My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life.”
And she was proud of being able to bring representation to her characters onscreen.
Chris Hatcher/Getty Images
“I’m not ashamed,” she continued. “But mostly, it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome. Really, it just matters to have a different challenge.”
In addition to her acting career, Friedman also worked as an assistant teacher at UCLA, helping to educate students about independent living.
Her final onscreen appearance was in the 2019 film Carol of the Bells.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App.
