Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
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United States Lauren Potter is an actress and advocate, recognized for her role in "Glee" and her unwavering commitment to disability rights.
Lauren served for three years on the International Board of Best Buddies and has worked with the non-profit in conjunction with Special Olympics' "R Word: Spread the Word to End the Word" anti-bullying campaign.
Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford teamed up with actress Lauren Potter for the Special Olympics Unified Sports Challenge. Lauren also served as an ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
Potter partnered with New Horizons, a nonprofit supporting people with special needs, and served as the Grand Marshall.
Lauren has been a vocal advocate for disability rights, serving on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
In November 2013, Potter called out the cosmetic company Sephora (which partners with the department store JcPenny) for supplying a lipstick by Kat Von D that she found problematic.
Lauren Elizabeth Potter was born on May 10, 1990, in Inland Empire, California. Diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, she began attending dancing and acting classes at a young age, demonstrating a dedication to performance. At 16, she secured her first acting role in the 2007 film “Mr. Blue Sky.” These early experiences laid the foundation for a career that seamlessly integrates her artistic pursuits with her strong advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
From 2009 to 2015, Potter gained widespread recognition for her recurring role as Becky Jackson, a cheerleader with Down syndrome, in all six seasons of the FOX television series “Glee.” Her portrayal earned her a SAG award nomination in the Ensemble in a Comedy Series category in 2012, and she was also honored with the SAG/AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the Media Access Awards. Beyond “Glee,” Potter has appeared in various television series, including “Chicago Med” (2019), “Drunk History” (2018), “Switched at Birth” (2017), and “Veep” (2016).
Beyond her acting career, Lauren Potter is a dedicated advocate for disability awareness and inclusion. In November 2011, President Barack Obama appointed her to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, where she advised the White House on relevant issues. She served as an ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles and has actively partnered with organizations like Best Buddies International and AbilityPath to promote inclusion and combat bullying. Her work includes starring in public service announcements, such as the 2011 “Not Acceptable” commercial with Jane Lynch, which advocated against the use of derogatory language towards individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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