What ever happened to Corky from Life Goes On?
Daniel Johnson
Published Mar 11, 2026
What ever happened to Corky from Life Goes On?
Life Goes On, which aired from 1989 to 1993, broke ground as the first primetime television show to feature a main character with Down syndrome. The show centered on the Thacher family, with actor Chris Burke playing brother Charles “Corky” Thacher. Today, Chris is 48 and living in New York City.
Who is the actor with Down syndrome?
Christopher Joseph Burke (born August 26, 1965) is an American Down syndrome advocate. Formerly, he was an actor and folk singer. He has become best known for his character Charles “Corky” Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On….Chris Burke (actor)
| Chris Burke | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Chris Burke |
| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Years active | 1987–2003 |
How old is Corky?
And while orcas in the wild can live 80 to 90 years, and sometimes even longer, SeaWorld often describes 48-year-old Corky as an “old” whale. She has developed cataracts, is almost blind in one eye, and she has failing kidneys and worn teeth, a premature aging syndrome common to living in concrete tanks for so long.
How old is Chris Burke now?
56 years (August 26, 1965)
Chris Burke/Age
Can people with Down syndrome have kids?
Misconception: People who have Down syndrome cannot have children. Reality: It’s true that a person with Down syndrome may have significant challenges in rearing a child. But women who have Down syndrome are fertile and can give birth to children.
Who is more likely to have a Down syndrome child?
According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, mothers aged 35 and older are more likely to have a baby with Down syndrome than younger mothers. The probability increases the older the mother is.
Who is the most famous person with Down syndrome?
List of people with Down syndrome
- American actor and singer Chris Burke.
- British actor Tommy Jessop (right) with his brother William.
- Spanish actor Pablo Pineda, the first European with Down syndrome to complete a university degree.
- British actress Paula Sage receiving her BAFTA award with Brian Cox.
Who is the most successful Down syndrome person?
Actor Chris Burke has been the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society since 1994. Burke starred in the late ’80s and early ’90s television series “Life Goes On” as Charles “Corky” Thatcher. His pioneering work in television helped change the way people view those with disabilities.
Is Corky Still Alive 2021?
He was the oldest and largest captive killer whale at the time of his death. As of 2021, Corky remains at SeaWorld San Diego and lives with eight other killer whales.
Where is Corky Orca now?
SeaWorld San Diego
Listening to Orcas: Corky Corky currently resides at SeaWorld San Diego but a group of dedicated individuals are leading a 25-year campaign to return her to her native waters.
What happened to Chris Burke?
Chris Burke Following his pioneering turn as son Corky, Chris turned up on a few more shows, including Touched By an Angel. Per IMDb, he also has credits in Promised Land, ER, The Division and his latest in 2003’s Mona Lisa Smile.
What celebrities have Down syndrome?
A–Z
| Names | Details |
|---|---|
| Jay Beatty | Celtic F.C. fan |
| Jamie Brewer | Actress who appeared in American Horror Story: Murder House and American Horror Story: Coven |
| Chris Burke | Actor and folk singer, best known for his role in Life Goes On as character Charles “Corky” Thacher |
| Collette Divitto | Entrepreneur who started Collettey’s Cookies |