Lauren Potter, Becky from ‘Glee’
By Clara Ritger
Lynch & Potter (Photo courtesy of Michael Yarish/Fox)
Actress Lauren Potter, who plays Becky on Fox’s hit series “Glee,” has become a spokesperson for people with Down syndrome nationwide. Oct. 15 is the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia Buddy Walk, and Lauren and her mom, Robin Sinkhorn, shared with us some of the best parts about living with DS and being involved in “Glee.”
What is it like to work with Jane Lynch?
Lauren: “I auditioned, and Robert Ulrich was pretending to be Sue Sylvester. He was really mean. But I made it through the audition—they chose me, and I cried.”
Robin: “Jane really helps Lauren out on the set. Lauren also spoke in front of Congress as a part of her work with Jane Lynch to stand against the ‘R’ word. She was amazing … very passionate. I had to follow her; it was a tough act to follow.”
Lauren: “[Jane Lynch] is a sweetheart in real life, but Sue is very mean.”
Will Becky make any singing debuts on the show?
Lauren: “They always tell me, ‘Honey, you’re a great actress and a lovely dancer, but you’re just not a good singer.’”
Robin: “She knows all the dance numbers. She’ll follow them into class and learn the routines.”
Do you have any advice for any families struggling with Down syndrome?
Robin: “I was scared when I found out I was pregnant with Lauren. I hadn’t been around people with Down syndrome before. But all kids need is the right support systems to make things happen.”
Lauren: “The best part about being on “Glee” is working with the cast.”
Robin: “Every week it is a different crush.”
Lauren: “But outside of ‘Glee’ I have the chance to speak out for other people about being
me. No more ‘You can’t do it,’ because you can.”
Robin: “Get rid of any of your doubts, and follow your child’s lead. Revel in their differences.”
Lauren: “You should learn your difficulties, and parents should listen to you and help you out. Love your parents, but say that you can do it and be independent. It’s about who you are—you are unique, and you need to tell other people that even though you’re special with special needs, you can do anything you want to.”
Any big dreams for the future?
Lauren: “I hope that I can do a singing experience. I want to dance to the songs. I want to do movies, TV. I just want to live and go to school and work independently because I can.”
(October 2011)
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