Chris Burke, ‘Life Goes On’ Actor, Defends Shane Gillis’ ‘SNL’ Down Syndrome Jokes

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Splashnewsonline.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Chris Burke, known for his role in ‘Life Goes On’ and who has Down Syndrome, has come forward to defend comedian Shane Gillis over his recent controversial monologue on “Saturday Night Live.” Burke expressed that people with Down Syndrome are just like everyone else and should not be excluded from being the subjects of jokes by comedians. He believes that it would actually be more offensive for comedians to exclude people with Down Syndrome from being joked about.

Supporting Inclusion and Understanding

As the first actor with Down Syndrome to star in a TV series, Chris Burke emphasized that it is important not to pass judgment on Shane Gillis, as no one knows how he dealt and coped with having a niece with Down Syndrome. He believes that Shane’s jokes are not made out of ignorance and that they align with the idea that people with Down Syndrome are a part of normal life and can be included in various aspects, including being the subjects of jokes.

Starting a Conversation

Shane Gillis’ monologue, which included jokes about his family, including a niece with Down Syndrome, has sparked mixed reactions. While some have been turned off by his jokes, Chris Burke sees some positives in the conversation that has been initiated. He believes that the monologue has helped in starting a conversation about Down Syndrome and highlighting that individuals living with the condition are normal people who can experience all aspects of life, including being the subjects of jokes.