An Interview with the Actor Who Portrays Liam West
Landing a guest role on ABC’s acclaimed series, ‘The Good Doctor’, was a transformative experience for Coby Bird. Stepping onto the set, Coby, an actor with autism, initially felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The opportunity to portray Liam West was particularly meaningful as the show sought an actor with autism for the role, highlighting a significant step towards authentic representation in television. Coby recalls the life-altering moment he received the news: “I was finishing taking out the garbage… when everything was about to change.” Upon returning inside, he overheard his mother’s phone conversation confirming his casting. Overwhelmed with joy, Coby remembers, “I covered my mouth, while smiling from ear-to-ear, and was very close to tearing up. It was amazing.”
The realization of acting in a major, yet-to-air show was profound. The night before his departure to Vancouver, the filming location, Coby contemplated the impending shift in his life. “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 marked the beginning of an unforgettable chapter.
The journey to Vancouver was in itself a memorable experience, complete with first-class travel. However, the cultural shift upon arrival, with French being prevalent, initially presented a slight adjustment. The filming itself proved to be an overwhelmingly positive experience. Coby quickly connected with the cast, particularly Freddie Highmore, whom he describes as “an amazing actor and one of the nicest guys,” and Nicholas Gonzalez. The welcoming atmosphere on set was a highlight. “Filming was a blast! No one treated me differently,” Coby emphasizes. Despite a demanding second week of filming, he successfully completed his role and prepared to return home, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Just as he was leaving set, an unexpected request brought him back – a gesture that culminated in a heartwarming round of applause from the entire cast and crew, including director David Straiton. This reception deeply moved Coby, solidifying his experience on ‘The Good Doctor’ as “possibly the most amazing thing I have done.” He expresses profound gratitude for the support he has received, recognizing this experience as a validation of his dreams and potential. “This experience has taught me that I really can be the person I was meant to be.”
Navigating Childhood with Autism: Challenges and Triumphs
Reflecting on his childhood, Coby candidly shares the difficulties of growing up with autism. Without early diagnosis being apparent to his peers, his school years were marked by misunderstanding and bullying. “It felt like they all insulted and abused me for having ASD,” he recounts. The social environment at school was often distressing, making him reluctant to attend. In these challenging times, Coby found solace and comfort in creative expression: “Singing and acting was the only thing that made me feel better.”
Social interaction presented significant hurdles for Coby. Participating in group conversations was particularly daunting. He describes the disheartening experience of being overlooked even when he mustered the courage to speak up: “It was so hard for me to speak in a group, and 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.” Overcoming these social barriers has been a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery.
The Path to Acting: Finding Community and Confidence
Coby’s foray into acting began with the Miracle Project at The Help Group, an after-school program known as Kids Like Me. This pivotal step occurred after a distressing incident at middle school where, after intervening in a bullying situation, Coby himself became a target. Joining the Miracle Project marked a turning point. There, in a supportive and understanding environment, Coby’s social skills and communication abilities began to flourish. Through games and improvisational activities, he discovered a sense of belonging and acceptance. “I made so many new friends and no one was ever mean to me, that’s when I started coming out of my shell,” he explains.
This newfound community was instrumental in Coby’s personal development. He realized he was among peers who shared similar experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. This period of growth culminated in an audition for a musical at the prestigious Wallis Annenberg Theater when he was 13. Despite initial anxieties about auditioning in a professional theater setting, Coby successfully secured a role in “The Intimidation Game.”
Initially, Coby felt conflicted about portraying a bully in the musical, given his own experiences with bullying. However, he came to understand the transformative nature of acting. “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 this perspective, Coby delivered a compelling performance, further solidifying his passion for acting. He credits the Miracle Project with fundamentally altering his life trajectory, opening doors to opportunities he had never imagined.
Autism Speaks Walks: Celebrating Autism and Community
Participation in Autism Speaks Walks has been a significant aspect of Coby’s journey within the autism community. These annual events at the Rose Bowl provided a powerful sense of unity and acceptance. “It was like my family, friends and even strangers were celebrating me and others for our autism instead of looking at us weird,” Coby describes. The walks fostered an environment of understanding and support, accommodating individual needs, such as Coby’s use of noise-canceling headphones or needing quiet time. These gatherings became cherished reunions with friends and family, and Coby’s team, Coby’s Crusaders, made substantial contributions through fundraising over eight years. The collective experience of being among “kids and adults who were just like me all together” was profoundly impactful, reinforcing the importance of community and advocacy.
