20 Physically Disabled Characters Played by Able-Bodied Actors (Photos) “Ironside” star Blair Underwood isn’t the first able-bodied actor to play a disabled character on television or film Greg Gilman May 20, 2013 @ 6:51 PM Share on Social Media Share on Facebook Share on X (formerly Twitter) Share on LinkedIn Share on Email Rip Torn played paralyzed dodgeball coach Patches O’Houlihand in the 2004 comedy “DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story.” Read Next The 3 Best Movies to Watch on Prime Video This Weekend Comments