James Troesh was a remarkable person who overcame a tragic accident that left him paralyzed at the age of 14. He became one of the few quadriplegic actors and writers in the entertainment industry, and an advocate for disability rights and representation. He passed away on October 1, 2011, at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humor, and creativity.
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The Accident that Changed His Life
According to Wikipedia, James Troesh was born on November 12, 1956, in Whittier, California. He was an active and adventurous teenager who enjoyed sports and music. However, his life took a drastic turn when he fell off a roof while helping his father with some repairs at their family home. The fall resulted in a spinal injury that rendered him quadriplegic for the rest of his life.
The accident was devastating for Troesh and his family, but he did not let it stop him from pursuing his dreams. He graduated from high school and college, and developed a passion for writing and acting. He also learned to use a mouth stick to type on a computer keyboard, which enabled him to express his thoughts and ideas.
His Breakthrough Role on Highway to Heaven
Troesh’s talent and determination caught the attention of Michael Landon, the star and producer of the popular NBC drama Highway to Heaven. Landon cast Troesh as Scotty, a quadriplegic lawyer who helps people in need with the assistance of an angel named Jonathan (played by Landon). Troesh appeared in 12 episodes of the show from 1985 to 1989, and also wrote three episodes.
Troesh’s role on Highway to Heaven was groundbreaking, as it was one of the first portrayals of a quadriplegic person on mainstream television. Troesh brought authenticity and humor to his character, and showed that people with disabilities can have fulfilling lives and careers. He also became the first quadriplegic actor to join the Screen Actors Guild, according to Variety.
His Other Works and Achievements
Besides Highway to Heaven, Troesh also appeared in other TV shows and movies, such as Airwolf, Boston Legal, Special Unit, Notes from the Underground, and Rise and Walk: The Dennis Byrd Story. He also wrote the screenplay for the 2006 film Color of the Cross, which depicted Jesus Christ as a black man.
Troesh was also an active member of several organizations that advocated for disability rights and representation in the media. He served on the Performers Executive Committee of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Writers with Disabilities Committee of the Writers Guild of America West, and the Performers with Disabilities Committee of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He also received the Michael Landon Award from the Media Access Office for his contributions to disability awareness.
One of Troesh’s recent projects was The Hollywood Quad, a sitcom that he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in along with guest star Bryan Cranston. The show comically chronicled Troesh’s journey in the industry as a quadriplegic actor and writer. He turned the program into a podcast series that can be found online.
His Cause of Death and Legacy
Troesh died on October 1, 2011, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, but it was reported that he had been suffering from health complications for some time. He was survived by his wife Deborah Troesh, his mother Barbara Troesh, his brother Jeff Troesh, and his sister Julie Troesh.
Troesh’s death was mourned by many people who knew him personally or admired his work. His friend and colleague Allen Rucker dedicated the 2011 Media Access Awards to him, saying that “what Jim brought to the disability equation was an irreverent, disarming sense of the absurd. Humor kept him going for 41 years.”
Troesh’s life and career were an inspiration to millions of people with disabilities and without disabilities alike. He showed that nothing is impossible with passion, perseverance, and positivity. He also challenged stereotypes and prejudices about people with disabilities through his art and activism. He will be remembered as a trailblazer who made a difference in the world.
