Breaking barriers: A question and answer session with Dr James Martin MBE
Mencap Northern Ireland Ambassador James Martin MBE has had an incredible journey. Now a successful actor, James started his career behind the coffee counter in Belfast. His story is a powerful reminder that that everyone deserves a seat at the table. We sat down with him to get his take on representation, the film industry, and more.
Hi James, could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
My name is Dr. James Martin MBE, and my job title is actor. I’m also Mencap’s ambassador for Northern Ireland.
Could you tell us a bit about your career?
So my career is acting. When you’re an actor, you can break barriers down. I love my job, and the 10+ shows that I’m in.
You’ve achieved some incredible awards, can you tell us what that felt like?
Winning all these awards, that’s my barrier to break. It’s really nice. I’m in the Guinness book of Records because I won a BAFTA in London, an Oscar in America, and the IFTA, all within the space of one year. That’s me breaking down barriers for myself, and for other people with
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
.
How can people with a disability improve their chances of becoming as successful as you?
I think it’s really important for people with disabilities to improve their skills at what they can do. But it’s really down to the Directors and other job creators to make those jobs available in the right way. From my
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
, it comes less down to me having Down syndrome, and more about the jobs being funded and created out there for people like myself. It’s really nice when the
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
gets that money in, to be able to act and to film and come together as a community.
Has anyone ever told you what your appearance on screen has meant to them?
I was out for a demo at a restaurant, and one of the staff members came over to me. She was talking about how her sister has Down syndrome and she was really excited to meet me because of the work I’ve done inspiring people. Another example, when The Oscars was on, I got a letter from Belfast and Ballina from this girl who has Down syndrome. She said to her mum and dad ‘He’s like me! He’s moved me completely!” And that’s really lovely. So you know, it moves a lot of people, and not just those with Down syndrome.
What advice would you give to someone who has a disability who wants to get into acting?
I would say go to your parents as a first option. Because you don’t want to just approach it in one way, so go to your parents first. And then try to find a local drama group, there are groups that are for people with disabilities and others that aren’t, but try both. That’s my advice.
Thanks for talking to us today James. One last question, what does it mean to you to be an ambassador for Mencap?
It means a lot to me. I’ve been with Mencap NI in Belfast for a long time, since I was only a child, and since then it’s been in my heart. That’s why I’ve become an ambassador, so I can tell families the truth about what it’s like for people with disabilities. It’s really nice to have that. Thank you!
Talking to James has shown us that with the right support and opportunity, talented young people can achieve their dreams regardless of disability. There is still plenty of work to be done to reach equal representation in film and TV, but with people like James carving the path forward, the future is looking bright. You can follow James’s story as he continues his career via Mencap NI’s social media: Instagram, Facebook.