Ruth Madeley on playing Judy Heumann, the activist who fought to make the world accessible
Ruth Madeley likes to think she was determined before she was born. “I think I was stubborn before I even arrived,” she says, laughing. It’s a quality the British actress, who was diagnosed with spina bifida while still in the womb, recognises in Judy Heumann, the American disability rights activist she plays in the new film Being Heumann . Heumann spent her life pushing back against the barriers…
British actress Ruth Madeley, who was born with spina bifida, has been cast as Judy Heumann in the new film Being Heumann. Heumann, an American disability rights activist, fought tirelessly for the inclusion of disabled people in society. Madeley, whose determination was shaped by her own experiences as a disabled individual, brings this passionate spirit to life in her portrayal of Heumann.
Growing up, Madeley was inspired by her mother's fight for her rights, just as Heumann's mother had fought for her daughter. This shared history of familial support influenced Madeley's approach to playing Heumann. She emphasizes the importance of a strong voice and the impact of life experiences on an actor's performance. To embody Heumann, Madeley immersed herself in a Brooklyn accent, which helped her connect with the activist's identity and character.
Differences in mobility between Madeley and Heumann presented unique challenges for the actress. While Madeley can walk with a wheelchair, Heumann, who contracted polio as a child, used one without significant core strength. Madeley worked meticulously to convey Heumann's independence and resilience in the film, from speaking on the phone to navigating various locations.
The film, directed by Sian Heder, highlights a pivotal moment in Heumann's life: the 1977 occupation of a federal building in San Francisco, demanding that the US government enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Madeley's portrayal of Heumann aims to introduce her work to a wider audience and to honor the activist's legacy. She hopes the film will resonate with viewers who may see aspects of their own lives reflected on screen, encouraging them to seek support and know they are not alone. Madeley remains committed to carrying on Heumann's work, recognizing that the fight for disability rights continues.
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