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Beyond Disability: Actor Jordan Ross on Navigating
Career, Dating and Success with a 'Limp'

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Description

Immerse yourself in the powerful life story of disabled actor and cerebral palsy activist Jordan Ross. From confronting a childhood besieged by bullying (14:18) and navigating the rocky terrains of medical uncertainty and depression (17:30), to carving out a successful career in acting (04:47), Jordan’s narrative is an insightful deep-dive into his relentless journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment in the face of adversity, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit. Jordan shares his thoughts on dating with a disability (24:04), when it’s ok to use the word “disability” (21:30) and distinguishing between ignorance and curiosity (31:38) provides a rich perspective that can help break down societal prejudices. Listen in to learn how he defied societal expectations, learned to embrace his “limp,” and became an advocate for representation, vulnerability and change.

In This Episode

  • 03:20 When is the last time that Jordan didn’t feel enough

  • 04:47 The impact of Jordan’s role on The Chosen and representation in film

  • 09:40 Getting comfortable with your insecurities/escaping self comparison

  • 13:15 How disability challenges masculinity

  • 14:18 Jordan’s struggles as a young boy.

  • 17:30 How disability affects relationships and vulnerability

  • 21:30 How to respectfully refer to someone with differing abilities

  • 24:04 Dating as a disabled man

  • 29:38 Jordan is more than his disability

  • 31:38 Disability, religion and the potential harms of “healing” prayers

  • 35:45 How to discern between curiosity and ignorance

  • 42:47 What does it mean to be man enough?

Episode Transcript

Select Quotations from the Episode

“My advice to anyone in the disabled community that’s dating is to be yourself. If someone is not interested in you because you have a ‘limp,’ it’s their loss.” -Jordan Ross
 
“The relationship between faith and healing is really complicated…I had to let go of the idea I even needed to be healed.” – Jordan Ross
 
“Playing my character Little James and expressing these doubts and concerns, of not being enough, of not being worthy…it felt liberating and gave me the courage to do that in my own life.” – Jordan Ross
 
“It’s hard for me, even today, to voice when I’m hurt by something that was said, even in my marriage I’ll push those things down until I realize I should’ve brought it up earlier.” – Jordan Ross
 
“I can do anything that anyone else can do, it just looks a little different.” -Jordan Ross
 
“I firsthand have seen the benefits of asking questions with the intent of learning, educating and putting yourself in the shoes of others.” -Jordan Ross
 
“We think when we’re young that ‘man enough’ means being strong, tall, protecting girl from the monster that comes out of the bushes [and] being able to lift a car…all stuff I’ve never done one time.” – Jamey Heath
 
“[My dad] was a marine, a cop, a lawyer, and now he’s a politician. Just these very authoritative figures. And I love my dad, but it was that kind of approach of…don’t cry, dry those tears, that kind of thing, where I always felt shame for that. So I was experiencing all of these things, but I didn’t know how to talk to anyone about it. I didn’t feel like it was okay to talk to anyone about it or to cry. I had to be tough. And that was obstacle I had to overcome as an actor. There was a scene in season two of The Chosen where it was the first time I had to cry on camera. And…I remember sitting there on set and being like I wanted to, I was willing, but there was just subconsciously…this block there that I had to just push through…And once I got there now, it’s been so much easier.” – Jordan Ross

About Jordan Ross   

Jordan is an actor (THE CHOSEN), screenwriter and host of the podcast “What’s Your Limp?” Jordan has Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis and by the age of 7, he had already undergone half a dozen major surgeries, including a full spinal fusion, and had several near death experiences. He discovered his love for acting at the age of 6 and spent the vast majority of his career being told no and having casting directors, agents, directors, etc. telling him to “lose the limp”. However, it was that very limp – the things Jordan was most insecure about – that led him to his most fulfilling and successful role yet – playing Little James on The Chosen. Now, Jordan is determined to use his platform as an actor and his podcast, What’s Your Limp?, to help others learn to love their own “limps” and to use them to their advantage, rather than perceiving them as flaws or weaknesses.

Links:
About the Man Enough Podcast

The Man Enough Podcast explores what it means to be a man today and how rigid gender roles have affected all people. The goal is to create a safe, open environment for a range of perspectives to come together and stay at the table, moving from systems and language that polarize and demonize men and masculinity, into those that invite all humans to participate and thrive in the world. Each episode engages in honest conversations with celebrities, thought leaders and change-makers, exploring topics such as relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health and so much more. 

THE HOSTS

Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, producer, entrepreneur and changemaker whose efforts are focused on creating impactful media and entertainment. Baldoni is the co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, an independent financial and production engine pioneering purpose-driven, multi-platform film and television productions that elevate and speak to the human spirit. He is also the founder of Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to change the way communities see and respond to unhoused populations. Learn more about his debut book, Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity at manenough.com/books. 

Instagram ⋅ Facebook ⋅ Tik Tok ⋅Twitter ⋅ Clubhouse ⋅ Website

Liz Plank is an award-winning journalist, author of For the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity, and the executive producer and host of several critically acclaimed digital series at Vox Media and NBC News. She’s the CEO of Liz Plank Productions and is a columnist for MSNBC and has been listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Mediaite’s Most Influential in News Media, and Marie Claire’s Most Powerful Women, and was named one of the World’s Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical. She’s built a loyal following on numerous social media platforms, but her proudest accomplishment by far remains being blocked by the 45th president of the United States.

Instagram ⋅ Facebook ⋅ Tik Tok ⋅Twitter ⋅ Clubhouse ⋅ Website

Jamey Heath is a prolific and versatile songwriter, musician and producer, he has co-written and/or produced songs for many artists, including Andy Grammer, Idina Menzel, Solange, Chaka Khan, Rahsaan Patterson, Randy Jackson, Dionne Farris, Guy Sebastian, Tamia, Tevin Campbell, Shanice, Az Yet, Yasmeen, Jody Watley, Ray J, Changing Faces, Janet Jackson, Kenny Lattimore, Babyface, Eric Benet, Take 6, and many others. He has been a part of many multi platinum selling records and singles earning him two Grammy Nominations with one win for his work on Gladys Knight’s, “At Last” album.

Instagram ⋅ Facebook ⋅ Tik Tok ⋅Twitter ⋅ Clubhouse ⋅ Website

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