Mitch Longley (born June 23, 1969) is an American actor best known for his roles as Matt Hamill on the ABC soap opera Port Charles and as Danny on the CBS drama Judging Amy. Longley is a paraplegic, having been born with a spinal cord defect, and has used a wheelchair throughout his life. He is a prominent advocate for disability representation in media.
Early Life and Background
Mitch Longley was born in Cleveland, Ohio. From birth, he has lived with a spinal cord defect that caused paraplegia, necessitating the use of a wheelchair. He attended Boston University, where he studied acting.
Career
Longley began his acting career in the mid-1990s, taking on various roles that often showcased his experience as a wheelchair user, thereby challenging traditional portrayals of disability in television and film.
His breakthrough role came in 1997 when he was cast as Matt Hamill on the daytime soap opera Port Charles. His character was also a wheelchair user, and Longley's portrayal was notable for its realism and for depicting a character with a disability in romantic storylines and everyday life without it being the sole focus of his identity. He remained on the show until 2000.
Following Port Charles, Longley had a significant recurring role as Danny, a legal aide and friend to the main character, on the critically acclaimed CBS series Judging Amy from 2001 to 2005.
Other television appearances include roles on The Ropes (2011-2012), EZ Streets, Party of Five, and 10-8: Officers on Duty. He has also appeared in films such as The Last Man on Planet Earth (1999) and The Ropes (2012).
Advocacy
Beyond his acting roles, Longley is a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, particularly within the entertainment industry. He frequently speaks about the importance of authentic representation and inclusion for actors with disabilities. He has also been involved with organizations promoting accessibility and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He co-founded "Scroll for All," a non-profit dedicated to promoting accessibility awareness.
Filmography
Television
- EZ Streets (1997)
- Party of Five (1997)
- Port Charles (1997–2000) as Matt Hamill
- The Last Man on Planet Earth (1999, TV Movie)
- Judging Amy (2001–2005) as Danny
- 10-8: Officers on Duty (2003)
- The Ropes (2011–2012) as Mitch
Film
- The Ropes (2012) as Mitch