Autistic actors and performers whose skills wowed audiences

Wentworth Miller recently told followers on Instagram about his autism diagnosis. In a heartfelt post, the Prison Break star wrote how his diagnosis made him re-examine his life and work. He narrated how he realizes his autism is central to who he is. Talking of his diagnosis, the process of which he says has a long way to go when it comes to an adult diagnosis, he recognized how privileged he was to access it.

In addition to Miller here is a list of openly autistic actors and performers who have helped do away with the misconceptions related to autism with their dedication to their craft.

1.Anthony Hopkins

Two time Academy Award winner and arguably one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, Sir Anthony Hopkins is on the autism spectrum. The Welsh actor, well known for playing Hannibal Lecter in the film Silence of the Lambs, has not revealed when he got diagnosed in life but when asked about his autism has stated that he does not go to parties or have many friends, but that he does like people.

2.Daryl Hannah

Making her mark in Hollywood in the 1980s with films such as Splash, Blade Runner and Steel Magnolias, Daryl Hannah received her autism diagnosis in her childhood. After openly revealing that she is autistic, the actor recounted how difficult it was for her to attend premiers and award shows. Hannah is also an environmental activist.

3.Dan Aykroyd

Canadian-American actor Dan Aykroyd is perhaps best known for his work on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, in which he was a regular cast member for four years; as well as for writing and starring in the 1984 movie Ghostbusters. Aykroyd has been vocal about being on the autism spectrum and has stated how he has derived his autistic experiences to develop his famous character in Ghostbusters.

4.Kayla Cromer

Kayla Cromer made history by being the first openly autistic actress to play an openly autistic main character on television. She stars in the series Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, a comedy series, as Matilda, the autistic sibling of the protagonist. Cromer is dyslexic, autistic and has ADHD and advocates to end the stigma around autism.

5.Hannah Gadsby

Australian comedian and tv show host Hannah Gadsby was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2017. She has talked about her diagnosis and experiences in her comedy performance titled Hannah Gadsby: Douglas, which was released as a comedy special on Netflix, to increase awareness among her audience about the neurological condition.