Guest starring on a hit show like ‘The Good Doctor’ is a dream for many aspiring actors. For Coby Bird, an incredibly talented actor with autism, this dream became a reality. His experience on the show wasn’t just another role; it was a powerful step forward for representation and a deeply personal journey of growth and self-discovery.
Reflecting on his initial reaction to landing the role of Liam West, Coby shares, “I was scared at first.” The magnitude of the opportunity, especially for a show that specifically sought an actor with autism for the part, was initially overwhelming. He recounts the surreal moment of receiving the news: “The moment I found out I was cast in the role of Liam West, I was finishing taking out the garbage, your ordinary household chore, when everything was about to change.” Overhearing his mother’s phone call with his agent, Gail Williamson from KMR Diversity, confirming the casting, Coby’s reaction was pure, unfiltered joy and disbelief. “I covered my mouth, while smiling from ear-to-ear, and was very close to tearing up. It was amazing, I was going to be acting in a major show that hadn’t even aired yet.”
The anticipation of this life-changing experience was palpable. The night before his departure to Vancouver for filming, a moment of quiet reflection in his room underscored the significance of what was about to unfold. “I remember just before going to bed, looking up at my ceiling fan in my room. I was just about to turn the light off and head to sleep. 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 simple act of turning off the light symbolized the transition into a new chapter of his life, a testament to the transformative power of opportunity.
His arrival in Vancouver marked the beginning of an immersive and positive filming experience. Traveling in first class and noticing the subtle cultural differences upon landing in Canada, Coby was immediately immersed in a new environment. The welcoming atmosphere on set quickly eased any initial anxieties. He was particularly impressed by his interactions with the lead actor, Freddie Highmore, known for his portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy in ‘The Good Doctor’, also a character with autism. “The first week of filming was great, I had already met Freddie Highmore who is an amazing actor and one of the nicest guys. Nicholas Gonzalez, who plays Dr. Melendez is also such a great person. Filming was a blast! No one treated me differently.” This sense of acceptance and camaraderie on set was crucial in making Coby feel comfortable and confident in his role as an actor on ‘The Good Doctor’.
The filming schedule was demanding, particularly during the second week, but Coby navigated it with resilience and dedication. Upon completing his scenes, he was met with an unexpected and heartwarming gesture of appreciation. “As I was heading to the town car to go back to the hotel, I was asked to come back on set. I came back on set to a round of applause from all the actors, cast, crew and even the Director, David Straiton.” This standing ovation from the entire production team was a powerful validation of his talent and contribution, leaving him deeply moved. “It was so amazing, I didn’t know what to do. I just stood there trying to hold my tears in. Being on ‘The Good Doctor’ was possibly the most amazing thing I have done and I’m so thankful for everyone who’s supporting me and my journey on this career path that I have been dreaming and wishing for. This experience has taught me that I really can be the person I was meant to be.”
Before his success as an actor on ‘The Good Doctor’, Coby faced significant challenges growing up with autism. He describes his early school years as particularly difficult, marked by a lack of understanding and support from his peers. “It’s was hard. I had very little language but none of the students in my school knew I had autism till 3rd grade. It felt like they all insulted and abused me for having ASD. I barely ever wanted to go to school because the bullying got worse each year.” In a time where awareness and acceptance of autism were less prevalent, Coby’s experience highlights the crucial need for inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Despite these hardships, he found solace and strength in creative expression. “Singing and acting was the only thing that me made feel better,” he explains, foreshadowing his path towards a career in performance.
Social interaction presented another significant hurdle. “Trying to be social and outgoing was such a challenge. 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.” This experience of being overlooked and unheard underscores the communication barriers that individuals with autism can face and the importance of patience and active listening in social settings.
Coby’s journey into acting began with The Miracle Project at The Help Group, an after-school program that proved to be a turning point in his life. Following a difficult experience in middle school, where he was bullied for standing up for another student, Coby found refuge and a sense of belonging in this program. “When I first joined the Miracle Project at The Help Group in their after school program, Kids Like Me, I had just been pulled out of middle school because I was beat up and dragged on the floor after helping another student who was being bullied.” The program fostered his social and communication skills through games and improvisational activities. “We split into groups, and each week we played games and did improv. 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.” The Miracle Project provided a safe and accepting space where Coby could connect with peers and discover his passion for acting.
A pivotal moment in his acting journey was auditioning for a musical production of The Miracle Project at the Wallis Annenberg Theater. Despite his initial fear of performing on a professional stage, Coby embraced the challenge and secured a role in “The Intimidation Game.” “When I was 13 I auditioned for a musical created by the Miracle Project at the Wallis Annenberg Theater. I was so scared to be auditioning at a real theater. I landed a part in the show and that’s when things really began to change.” Ironically, he was cast as a bully, a character type that initially conflicted with his personal experiences. “I was cast to play a bully which I felt really uncomfortable with because I was bullied my whole entire life in school. I did NOT want anyone to ever think of me as a bully or feel bad because of how I treated them.” However, this role became a valuable learning experience, teaching him about the craft of acting and the distinction between character and actor. “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. I played a bully and the show was amazing. 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.”
Beyond acting, Coby and his family have been actively involved with Autism Speaks Walks for many years. These walks provided a sense of community and celebration of neurodiversity. “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. 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 Autism Speaks Walks offered a supportive and understanding environment, fostering connections and raising awareness. “Meeting up with my friends and family felt like our own reunion. My team, Coby’s Crusaders, raised a lot of money over the 8 years we walked. It felt amazing seeing kids and adults who were just like me all together.”
Coby Bird’s journey as an actor on ‘The Good Doctor’ is an inspiring testament to his talent, resilience, and the power of inclusive opportunities. From overcoming personal challenges to embracing his passion for acting, Coby’s story resonates with authenticity and hope, highlighting the importance of representation and the limitless potential within every individual.
