Talk show host is considering runs for Senate, White House.
Industry Ignores Those With Illnesses
"If you had $11 million, would you bet it on somebody who has pancreatic cancer staying alive?"
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Since Arsenio Hall's groundbreaking show went off the air in the late 1990s, others have tried to diversify the late-night airwaves, with mixed results. Three new shows are tackling the issue again. Read more.
She believes filmmakers, writers and casting directors need to do more to fairly treat the disabled.
"The casting people have to audition disabled people for a role that is specific to a disabled person before they dare cast an able-bodied person in that role," she said. "We're asking that AFTRA and SAG really say there will be monetary penalties for those who don't audition enough disabled people."
It's not just those in front of the camera who are skittish about revealing their illnesses. Film producer Lauren Shuler-Donner waited years to reveal her lupus and subsequent breast cancer because she was scared she wouldn't be hired, as she said publicly at a charity event in 2008.
"There might be an allure in casting sick A-listers, but when you're B-list -- some of these guys who have been eking out a career in acting for so long -- they now have another burden to deal with," said Barron Lerner, a physician and historian at Columbia University and author of "When Illness Goes Public: Celebrity Patients."
''For people dealing with this in the trenches, it's far from glamorous," Lerner said in an interview.
One of the major impediments to the disabled getting work can often be insurance, because all members of the cast are required to have a physical examination to determine if they have any pre-existing conditions before they shoot.
"That's when little things that are not necessarily a big deal in normal life become important," said Hamilton. "Say there's a guy who has a heart condition and he had bypass surgery six months ago. The insurance company looks at him and says, 'Wait a minute, I have a bigger risk here.'
There are ways to negotiate deals for performers who are ill, Hamilton said. A specialist could write a letter to the insurance company explaining the situation, the company could put a higher deductible on the performer or other markets might be willing to accept the risk. And some major studios who self-insure may have more leeway because they have more inclusive policies.
"Things can be worked out to try to help these people," Hamilton said. "I've had people with drug problems picked up at jail and flown to the movie set, where they watched constantly by a federal marshall. If someone is in remission from cancer, the doctor can be there with them."
Still, rarely are the physical signs of illness depicted on-camera. Many recall Dick Clark's jarring appearance as he hosted his "Rockin New Year's Eve" after having a stroke in 2004 and spoke with slurred speech.
"Some felt bad for him and were saying, 'This is so great, you never see people with strokes do this in public,'" Lerner said. "But producers might think that if someone has an illness and they're so clearly defined from it, it could potentially detract from the larger goals of the project.
"If you put Michael J. Fox into a movie just playing a regular guy, people watching the movie are potentially going to be like, 'This is Michael J.
Comments
Rachael Says
oops, I know I posted about the Fibrohugs chatroom, but unfortunately it is unavailable at the present time, due to it needing repairs and upgrading. I just found out, sorry. I used to work with the webmaster there, the chatrooms are set up to automatically kick out anyone who spams or uses bad language, etc... It's always been a friendly environment for me, I had been there since 2001. I hope it's back up and running again soon!
Ruby Says
I have a comment on this piece of the article:
"But actors who suffer from the diseases say that when out of the spotlight, the industry tends to ignore those with disabilities and chronic illnesses, leaving many actors and crew members fighting to get work."
All I can say is WELCOME TO MY WORLD.
Why do actors think that they are special people? It's ALL
industries that ignore people with disabilities. I have
been out of a job for 6 years because no one wants to hire someone who needs medical treatment a little bit more than other employees. No one wants to hire a person who has
special needs in a work place.
Actors and Movie stars are no better than an ordinary person. Let them get a normal job.
Ruby
Annie Says
Rachel. I'd like to thank you for taking the time to post the websites for the fibro chat rooms. I'll check them out this weekend when I'm feeling better.
Damp and rainy doesn't do fibromyalgia any favors.
LaVida Says
Rachel thank you for the sites. I am going to visit them this weekend. Fibro Hugs sounds so much better than that mdjunction one. It wiill be nice to go onto a site that really supports people rather than tearing them down.
Rachael Says
If you are looking for fibromyalgia chatrooms, there is one at http://www.fibrohugs.com and also one at http://www.prohealth.com/chat/index.cfm I don't know if they have set times, but I do know that the Fibrohugs one is mainly visited late at night.
LaVida Says
Annie I totally agree with you with that link for the fibro thing that Louise gave. I have fibromyalgia and i joined this site. All it was is bunches of women talking to one another about other people I don't even know and talking about them in a very bad way and complaining about them and gosipping about them. I was really shocked that this site allows people to act this way and then when i posted needing some help all i got was women getting off the subject and then they would start talking about someone else. It was awful. If this is supposed to help people the people that made the site need to read the site more often. I saw that mighty fibromyte thing too and i am so depressed because people know that depression comes with this too that when i saw that it just didn't do anything but make me feel worse. It was like she was making fun of fibromyalgia or something. I love to laugh and have fun but sometimes people need real people and this place DEFINITELY DOES NOT have it. It was awful and I will never go back. It reminded me of junior high school and the cheerleaders picking on the other girls.
Annie Says
I went into the website for fibro that Louise listed. I was hoping that it was something I could join and get to know other people with the same conditions that I have.
People were fighting and cursing at each other. I decided to give it another try a few days later in another one of the forums and the same people were verbally assulting yet another member in that group too. A few days later, all of the verbal abuse assault threads and posts mysteriously disappeared. Where did they go and what are they hiding? I don't think that I want to be a part of that group. If they erase all the negative threads and leave only the nice ones, in my opinion, they aren't being honest. How can anyone think that the emotional support they give is genuine if they can edit out what they don't want anyone to see? Totally dishonest. Fake. Fraud.
Also, one group leader welcomes everyone new to the mighty fibromites. Makes me think of a big bug. That's disgusting.
I'd never join the group.
Rachael Says
It is a shame that there are people like Agatha, who have so much bitterness in their heart that it blinds them to the virtue of compassion. Bravo to you, Mike, for your ethics, dignity, perseverence, courage, and your ability to reach out and help others. I would like your permission to put a link on my webpage at http://www.tigereeks.com which would lead people to your website. I find it refreshing to see someone who is similar to myself in coping with Fibro with a spiritual side. Thank you for not "hiding" as so many do.....
CAPTAIN MIKE Says
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the great comment and keeping "men with fibro" alive on your website. I am promoting your link on my website in the "fibro groups" section.
Captain Mike :) http://www.captainhastings.com
Louise Says
Thank you very, very much, Mike.
I want you to know that there has been some discussion about you in our group.
We were all so excited that someone of your status is taking up our cause. We appreciate it very, very much.
Sincerely,
Louise
Bob L. Hall Says
Mike,
This brings back some memories of phone calls we had from the past. I can distinctly remember our conversations SEVERAL years ago about your concern if the industry discovered your fibro. One thing about fibro is it is predictable, only in the sense it is completely unpredictable as to when it will strike, how intense, and for how long.
I know you have had a long struggle with the illness over the years, as shared by so many others who suffer with fibro. As we all know, it is often called the "invisable illness" which is best suffered in "silence"
Sometimes we get excited because we hear this magazine, or some media is presenting a story about men with fibromyalgia, or it may be a main feature. But at http://www.menwithfibro.com we feature it each and every day. Stop by and keep us posted, we can really relate and understand where you are coming from............ Hang in there!
Bob Hall
ADM/ http://www.menwithfibro.com
CAPTAIN MIKE Says
REPLY TO LOUISE:
HI LOUISE, THANKS FOR THE FIBRO LINK. I ADDED IT TO MY WEBSITE.
CAPTAIN MIKE :)
CAPTAIN MIKE Says
REPLY TO LAUREN'S POST :
Hi Lauren, you are right about the Chinese herbs. I've had my best luck with them. In my journey through countless doctors, I found 2 doctors that helped me tremendously - both spoke English and were raised in America, yet spent years studying Chinese herbalogy in Asia. Since there was no language barrier , they could understand exactly and precisely what I was telling them. One of the doctors I am currently seeing is Dr. David Price at the White Pine Clinic in Tucson, Arizonawww.whitepineclinic.com The herbs are taking away a lot of pain and giving me circulation in area's (like the spinal column) that have not had circulation for years. It's a happy day for me :)
As for the guafenisen, I've heard a lot of different feedback. I didn't work for me and I know it didn't work for a large percentage of other fibro folk. I know it has worked well for about 20 percent of fibro folk, so it's definitely worth trying. You never know if you fall in that 20 percent, so it's great that Dr. St Armand is around.
Captain Mike :)
CAPTAIN MIKE Says
CAPTAIN MIKE NOTE:
Hi Agatha, my "publicity blitz" is not based on some bizarre and irrelevant information. I have a websitewww.captainhastings.com which is dedicated to helping people with fibromyalia. The information on the web is not "irrelevant", but rather quite helpful and lifesaving for those who suffer from the illness. The film I'm currently creating will also be a true treasure for those with fibro, as well.
I think it's important to know that the meat and bones of my professional carreer are not in Hollywood. I have a Masters Degree in Education, taught 9 years and am currently working on my PHD part time - all while battling a serious illness every day. My life and worth are not based on some media exposure, but rather God. If I never work another day in Hollywood, that's not going to take away from my true worth, meaning and purpose in life. In short, Hollywood and the media are not my gods. I am a follower of Jesus Christ who has successfully led me as a missionary through the jungles of Africa in my earlier years, as well as through the concrete jungle of L.A. He knows how to open and close doors very well.
As for "West Wing", I was picture picked through SAG. They called me (yes the phone did ring) and they told me I needed to be fitted for my Captain's uniform at Warner Brothers in the Fall of 2002. I had to go down to Warner Brothers and have my suit tailored and altered in preparation for appearing on the show numerous times. My uniform was actually stored in the Warner Brothers Wardrobe department with my name tag on it, in preparation for when West Wing needed me .They would call me off and on for 2 years. During that time there were times where we worked an entire week through - other times we would get a call once a month. It was sporadic, as my part like any other part in Hollywood, is controlled by the script writer. So yes, actually I was more than just an "extra" on West Wing. On my first day while working in the situation room, Martin Sheen came over to me - shook my hand - and welcomed me as a new member of the situation room staff. Although I was not seen very much at all on the show - I was there - a "mustard seed" perhaps - but I was there on and off for a 2 year period. The media liked this small "bit " part that had befallen me and thus I ended up in a magazine, nutritional newsletters, Korean Television, and a book in Europe, etc...
On a final note, I've never claimed to be the guru of fibro or chronic fatigue. Just someone who has spent 15 years looking for genuine solutions to a complex medical condition. I've gleaned info from over 100 doctors and read a lot of research on the topic - so I know a little about the illness and what works and what doesn't. What I do know I feel obligated to share with the public, thus my website for practical tips on the illnesswww.captainhastings.com - Hope that answers some of your questions.
Signing Off - Captain Mike
ps. If the web does not appear in this article, you can click on the underlined "Hastings" in the main article (above) to view the web.
emmma Says
This was an excellent and insightful article on a terribly misunderstood condition.
Hastings' heroic struggle to maintain wellness while navigating the inane labyrinth of Hollywood hypocrisy was funny and quippy.
I commend Hastings for his creative and humorous endurance in an environment where understanding and compassion are rarities.
I look forward to seeing this handsome and persevering actor in more shows and flicks.
louise Says
I suffer, too, from fibro. It's an awful disease. Thankfully, there are new treatments available.
Here is a url for a terrific support group online.
http://www.mdjunction.com/fibromyalgia
I agree, Agatha has her head up her bum. I know that people with fibro do work, but I find it amazing that any of them can. The ones that do impress me no end because I can't. Unfortunately, I am not alone in that situation.
Great article.
Brent Says
Mike has a website on helping people with fibromyalgia and is working on a film about the illness. Click on the underlined "HASTINGS" in the article for more details. Brent
Lauren Says
Mike......I came accross ur name a couple of years ago when I was searching 4answears on the internet after being diagnosed w/fibromialgia. I read ur story & I am proud of U for fighting for your dreams. There is an answear but U R looking in the wrong places.
Please ignore the posted ignorance I saw as responses here to ur posting!! People think they R eternal until shit happens 2them then they realize how lucky they R 2B alive. But that is their problem, U have UR own 2worry about. People that want to or need to change, will do so w/out drama at their own drum!!
I want to share w/u that the most important fact, is that fibromyalgia is as U already know, a chronic illness w/out a cure but because it has so many symptoms even qualified doctors misdiagnose it. Only a rheumatologist can properly diagnose it but they dont have the proper medicine yet b they only treat the pain and not the other 100 symptoms. The best part is that fibromyalgia is not contagious & UR organs stay intact for as long as U live.
My answear was simple, U can reverse every symptom with "gueyfenesin" & only Dr. Saint Amand in Marina del Rey, CA can save ur life.......he can b reached at 310-577-7510 or goto his site "fibromyalgiatreatment.com," he is an endocronologyst at UCLA & the only one in the world who has the answear to our challenge if U want to take a magic pill. (Gueyfenesin has no side effects and it is used 2treat colds which comes in small dosages in cold medicine but his is manufactured for fibro) I was almost on a wheelchair when I came to him & within 2mos my insomnia was gone, chronic pain, fatigue, mood swings, red eyes, palpitations, needle feelings, burning throughout body, headaches, restless leg syndrome, etc. However my fibro was triggered I believe either by a work injury to a right arm/wrist/shoulder/NECK w/computers and I was also a victim of sexual harrasment on the job exactly about 3 to 5yrs prior to onset symptoms of fibro, therefore, drs kept insisting my neck pain was the injury & I stopped the gueyfenesen. Also because of severe numbness throughout my pody & neck pain, like most fibro patients, the pain was so agonizing that I did not have the patience to continue treatment so I went w/a referral for accupuncture & chinese herbs by a specialist. HE GAVE ME BACK MY LIFE!!
Again, with the Chinese Herbs within about 2wks chronic pain dissapeared, numbness, etc and its been a little over a year that I am symptom FREE. No pain, no fatigue, no anger, no mood swings, no palpitations, no headaches, no heart problems, no stomach problems, no ringing in ears, no fears, no bruises thorughout body, no itching, burning throughout body......the list goes on & on. I AM PAIN FREE. BETTER YET, I AM MYSELF AGAIN. The only thing is that w/herbs he hasnt fully controlled my sleep.....but I control that by excercising here & there.....a good 40mnt walk/run 2X or 3X per week. I also have done one major thing, I got rid of needy & problematic people......because the illness gets triggered by stress. I also realize that my X boyfriend was also someone who increased my stress & as soon as I got rid of him my life/health has also changed for the best. Dr. Lee is at 818.902-1992 chinese herb specialist/accupunturist. Just know that I have peace, happiness & Im back to work at full speed. I now can enjoy a vacation & the best part, is that I can enjoy a cup of ice cream & wear my high heels again any day of the week without feeling some sort of pain.
Again, the people or responses here R very selfish & ignorant. They will die too, we do not know of what or when, but they are not compassionate or sympathethic towards others because they have never experienced pain. Truth is nobody wants to dye at the end of the day. Thats why it is impirtant to slow down, smell the roses, appreciate everday & help others as best as we can along the way!! Like U, I never gave up on my life.......I wasnt ready to live like a vegetable 4the rest of my life when my so called closest friends, even family could understand & even more than 6 doctors were saying I had no cure. When U act in good faith....and want to do things right, I believe God does give U a second chance. Please stop treating every symptom one by one w/endless medicines for every symptom, U mayb destroying ur body w/so much junk & simply attach the problem all at once.....either gueyfenesin or chinese herbs will give U ur precious life back!! I promise U will B forever grateful U wrote UR column online. Good luck!!
Penelope Says
Hollywood isn't the only arena where people with disabilities are shuffled under the rug. Those in the corporate world do it as well. They just find a way around the law...such as layoffs. "I'm sorry your position has been eliminated." They eliminate the "position" (title) and then come up with a new "position" (title) and hire someone healthy. It hasn't happened to me but I witnessed two friends with illnesses get shuffled out of the company after working there 16+ years.
America is a great place to live but we are so competitive and success-driven that we fail at being humanitarian at times. Case in point - most companies in Europe offer 6 weeks vacation to new hires, whereas most US companies offer 2 weeks. Europe has the master/apprentice attitude, whereas America has the dog-eat-dog attitude. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be American.
phillip Says
First off I would like to say that you are being a tool. Fibro is a very serious illness and should not be remarked on so flippantly. I suffer from this illness and it has greatly affected my work and family. I can understand that when someone is a sufferer of this illness that they would hide it. Most, no almost all, people are like you when they hear about someone with this illness. It is treated as something that doesn't exist or as something that is a lesser illness. It is not!
Also how do you know that this man was not a stage actor more then a TV or Movie actor. How do you know what the guy did. So what if IMDB doesn't have a listing for the guy, sometimes (haha) the internet is wrong dude. Also the term working actor, means just that working. They are not the super celebs that get to do one production every 6 months to a year, they work HARD!
So next time you want to climb up on a soap box why don't you just save it for the next time you are with your egotistical friends, at least maybe they will fake like they want to hear it.
Richard Stellar Says
Wow Agatha - I guess sympathy isn't your strong suit. It's gonna suck when you wake up one morning with half of your face drooping from a karmic stroke. If you're an actor, and I doubt that you are, you might get a part in some horror flick.
That being said, I'm appalled at the callousness that is becoming the motion picture industry. We've got our own fight on our hands at the Motion Picture Home - but reading this makes me wonder if society in general has lost its heart.
I loved Geri Jewell in Deadwood. I didn't know she really had a condition. She was funny and loveable. She brought heart to that character. Her scenes with Ian McShane are priceless. And how about the son in Breaking Bad? And what about the kid that played Corky in Life Goes On? These are great actors who bring a dimension to roles that even Sean Penn couldn't hack.
If art mirrors society, than we need the handicapped to portray those that evidently society shuns - and roles that require them to move out of their disability. That's what acting is all about, right?
I feel sorry for you Agatha. Maybe some malady will find its way to you and open your eyes.
Richard
Agatha Says
"He sent the magazine off to 30-40 casting directors and waited. 'The phones stopped ringing,' Hastings said."
This guy is not even in IMDB. The phones weren't ringing before.
"Hastings landed his biggest gig to date: a job on season 4 of The West Wing as a military figure who appeared regularly in the show's situation room and White House scenes."
Appeared regularly as a "figure" in "scenes"? Did he have a name? Did he speak any lines?
He was an extra, for all practical purposes, and then he does a publicity blitz based on the bizarre and irrelevant information that he has the successor to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
What does he expect?
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