About Special

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Special is a TV show that first premiered in 2019. It falls under the LGBTQ TV Shows genre and is based on the memoir "I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves" by Ryan O'Connell. The show revolves around the main character Ryan Hayes, played by Ryan O'Connell himself, who is a gay man with mild cerebral palsy. The story follows his journey of embracing his identity, pursuing his dreams, and navigating the challenges of both his personal and professional life.

Making / Production

The TV show Special is created by Ryan O'Connell, who is also the lead actor in the series. It is produced by Campfire and Stage 13. The show has received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of disability and LGBTQ issues.

Actors

• Ryan O'Connell as Ryan Hayes - The lead character of Special, Ryan O'Connell plays himself and brings his personal experiences as a gay man with cerebral palsy to the role.
• Jessica Hecht as Karen Hayes - Karen is Ryan's overprotective mother who wants the best for her son.
• Punam Patel as Kim Laghari - Kim is Ryan's supportive and quirky coworker who becomes his close friend.
• Marla Mindelle as Olivia - Olivia is Ryan's boss at the clickbait website where he works and provides him with valuable guidance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show is loosely based on Ryan O'Connell's own experiences as a gay man with cerebral palsy.
• Ryan O'Connell, in addition to being the creator and lead actor, also serves as an executive producer and writer for the series.
• Special is the first scripted comedy series from Netflix with a gay lead character with a disability.
• Ryan O'Connell won the Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series at the 30th GLAAD Media Awards for his performance in Special.

Awards

Special has been recognized for its outstanding performances and representation. Ryan O'Connell won the Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series at the 30th GLAAD Media Awards for his role in Special.

Quotes

• "I don't really have the luxury of pretending like I'm just like everyone else." - Ryan Hayes
• "People infantilize disabled people, and I refuse to be infantilized." - Ryan Hayes
• "I guess you could say I'm pretty special." - Ryan Hayes

Music

Soundtrack