Down syndrome

Down syndrome encompasses a number of genetic disorders, of which trisomy 21 (a nondisjunction) is the most representative, causing highly variable degrees of learning difficulties as well as physical disabilities. It is named for John Langdon-Down, the British doctor who first described it in the late 19th century.

Notable individuals

Notable people with Down syndrome include:

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• Stephane Ginnsz, actor (Duo) First actor with Down syndrome in the lead part of a motion picture. Duo won both the Martin Scorsese and the Warner Bros. Pictures Film Awards, was an official entry at the 23rd Student Academy Awards, Finalist at the 1996 Chicago International Children's Film Festival, Winner of the 1996 Wasserman Award for best cinematography and nominated for a TASH Film Award. For more info, please visit the official Duo film site and Stephane's official site.
• Chris Burke, actor (Life Goes On) and autobiographer
• Andrea Friedman, actor (Life Goes On), guest appearances on many other shows
• Pascal Duquenne, actor (Le Huitième Jour aka The Eighth Day, Toto le héros aka Toto the Hero)