Andrea Fay Friedman, an actress known for her roles in “Life Goes On” and “Carol of the Bells” alongside Joseph Travolta, passed away in Santa Monica at the age of 53 due to Alzheimer’s complications.
Friedman, who had Down Syndrome, played a significant role in promoting representation for people with the same condition in the entertainment industry. She gained prominence for her portrayal of Amanda Swanson in “Life Goes On,” a character who eventually marries Charles “Corky” Thacher, played by Chris Burke. Her acting career also included appearances in series such as “Baywatch,” “Chicago Hope,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “ER,” “The Division,” and “Saving Grace.” Furthermore, her life and career were highlighted in the 2009 documentary “A Possible Dream: The Andrea Friedman Story.”
In 2010, Friedman voiced a character with Down syndrome named Ellen in a “Family Guy” episode. The character’s reference to her mother being the former governor of Alaska alluded to Sarah Palin’s son, Trig Palin, who also has Down syndrome. Palin criticized the joke during a Fox News appearance, calling it insensitive. In response, Friedman remarked to the New York Times and ABC News that Palin lacked a sense of humor and misunderstood the joke, emphasizing that the character was meant to be inspirational.
Her final acting work was in the 2019 film “Carol of the Bells,” where she played the biological mother of Scott Johnson (RJ Mitte), a young man who discovers his mother has Down syndrome.
Lauren Appelbaum commended “Carol of the Bells” in a Variety column for its groundbreaking representation, noting it was the first feature film with a majority of the crew having developmental disabilities. Appelbaum highlighted the importance of authentic disability portrayal in film in reducing stigmas.
Besides acting, Friedman was an assistant teacher at UCLA’s Pathway program, focusing on teaching students to live independently.
She leaves behind her sister, Katherine Holland; her brother-in-law, Grant Holland; nephews, Lawson and Andrew Holland; and her father, Hal Friedman.
