Coby Bird’s story is one of dreams realized and barriers broken. For years, he was a fan of ‘The Good Doctor’, drawn to its compelling narratives and nuanced characters. Little did he know, his own story was about to intersect with the very show he admired. This is the inspiring account of Coby Bird, an actor on ‘The Good Doctor’, detailing his experience guest-starring as Liam West and his journey as an actor with autism.
Behind the Scenes of ‘The Good Doctor’: A Dream Come True
The news of his audition for ‘The Good Doctor’ was already a thrill, but the reality of being cast was almost surreal. “It was pretty crazy that I got an audition for a new show, and that they wanted someone with autism to play the role,” Coby recalls. The moment of confirmation arrived during an ordinary chore – taking out the garbage. Hearing his mother’s hushed excitement on the phone with his agent, Gail Williamson from KMR Diversity, the news broke: he had landed the role of Liam West. “I covered my mouth, while smiling from ear-to-ear, and was very close to tearing up. It was amazing,” he shares, highlighting the emotional impact of this life-changing moment.
The anticipation built as the departure date for Vancouver approached. The night before his flight, a simple ceiling fan became a focal point of contemplation. “I stood there with my finger on switch because I knew, once I turned that light off, my life would change the next time I woke up.” This poignant moment captures the weight of the opportunity and the shift about to occur in his life.
The journey to set was an adventure in itself, starting with a first-class flight to Vancouver. The unfamiliar French signage in the Canadian airport initially presented a minor challenge, quickly overcome by the excitement of the experience. The filming itself exceeded expectations. Coby found himself working alongside talents like Freddie Highmore, whom he describes as “an amazing actor and one of the nicest guys,” and Nicholas Gonzalez, praised as “such a great person.” The set of ‘The Good Doctor’ was an environment of acceptance and camaraderie. “Filming was a blast! No one treated me differently,” Coby emphasizes, underscoring the inclusive atmosphere.
The second week brought a busier schedule, but Coby navigated it successfully, culminating in a heartwarming farewell. Expecting a quiet departure, he was called back to set to a surprise – a round of applause from the entire cast and crew, including director David Straiton. This unexpected ovation was a powerful affirmation. “It was so amazing, I didn’t know what to do. I just stood there trying to hold my tears in,” he recounts, the emotion still palpable. For Coby, “Being on ‘The Good Doctor’ was possibly the most amazing thing I have done,” a testament to the profound impact of this experience on his life and career.
Growing Up with Autism: Finding Strength in Performance
Coby’s path to ‘The Good Doctor’ was paved with personal challenges. Growing up with autism presented significant hurdles, particularly in his early school years. “It was hard,” he states plainly, reflecting on a time when he had limited language skills and faced misunderstanding from his peers. Before his classmates were aware of his autism diagnosis in the 3rd grade, Coby endured bullying and isolation. “It felt like they all insulted and abused me for having ASD.” School became a place of anxiety, “I barely ever wanted to go to school because the bullying got worse each year.”
Amidst these struggles, Coby discovered solace and strength in the arts. “Singing and acting was the only thing that me made feel better,” he reveals. This early connection to performance became a lifeline, a space where he could express himself and find respite from the difficulties of navigating a world not always understanding of neurodiversity.
From Social Challenges to Stage Success: Embracing Acting
Social interaction posed a considerable challenge for Coby. “Trying to be social and outgoing was such a challenge. It was so hard for me to speak in a group,” he explains. Even when he mustered the courage to speak, the response was often disheartening, “when I finally did, the kids would just look at me and continue talking like I wasn’t there after I had tried so hard to speak up.”
A turning point arrived when Coby joined the Miracle Project at The Help Group, an after-school program. This transition followed a particularly difficult experience in middle school where, after intervening in a bullying incident, Coby himself became a target. The Miracle Project offered a radically different environment. “I was beginning to have better vocabulary and I was improving at being social,” he notes, highlighting his personal growth. The program’s activities, including games and improv, were transformative. “I never wanted it to end; I made so many new friends and no one was ever mean to me, that’s when I started coming out of my shell.” Crucially, he found a sense of belonging. “I realized these other kids were just like me.”
This positive experience led to a pivotal audition for a musical produced by the Miracle Project at the prestigious Wallis Annenberg Theater. Despite his initial fear of auditioning on a professional stage, Coby secured a role in “The Intimidation Game.” This musical, focused on high school cliques and dynamics, cast Coby as a bully – a role that initially caused him discomfort given his own history of being bullied. “I did NOT want anyone to ever think of me as a bully or feel bad because of how I treated them.” However, this challenge became a valuable lesson in the craft of acting. “But then I realized acting is playing characters that may be the exact opposite of you, but it doesn’t mean you have to be like them offstage.” Embracing the role and succeeding in the musical marked a significant step in his acting journey. Coby credits the Miracle Project with fundamentally altering his life’s trajectory: “The Miracle Project really did change my life and without it, I would not have done any of the amazing things I’m doing now.”
Community and Celebration: The Impact of Autism Speaks Walks
Coby’s involvement with Autism Speaks Walks further enriched his journey. Participating in these annual events at the Rose Bowl became a cherished tradition. “It was a blast going every April to the Rose Bowl for the Autism Speaks Walk. It was like my family, friends and even strangers were celebrating me and others for our autism instead of looking at us weird.” These walks fostered a sense of community and acceptance, a stark contrast to the isolation he had previously experienced. “There was total understanding when I had to wear my noise-canceling headphones or when I had to stay in the car for 2 hours because I was scared to come out.” The walks were also a time for connection and celebration. “Meeting up with my friends and family felt like our own reunion.” His team, “Coby’s Crusaders,” demonstrated significant support, raising substantial funds over eight years. “It felt amazing seeing kids and adults who were just like me all together,” Coby reflects, highlighting the empowering and unifying nature of these events.
Coby Bird’s journey to becoming an actor on ‘The Good Doctor’ is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of the arts. His story not only inspires but also underscores the importance of representation and inclusion in Hollywood, proving that talent and passion know no bounds.
