Overview

• Andrea Fay Friedman, a pioneering actress with Down syndrome, has died at 53 due to complications from Alzheimer's.
• Friedman was known for her role as Amanda Swanson on the TV series 'Life Goes On', which was the first major series to feature characters with Down syndrome.
• Throughout her career, Friedman challenged stigmas and brought representation for the Down syndrome community to the screen, including a controversial role on 'Family Guy' where she humorously referenced Sarah Palin, whose son also has Down syndrome.
• Friedman's last film project was 'Carol of the Bells', a film about a man's search for his birth mother who he learns has Down syndrome.
• In addition to her acting career, Friedman also served as an assistant teacher at UCLA's Pathway Program.