Throwback: From School Plays to Disney Star: Noah Matthews Matofsky

Friends, we’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations — our interview with Noah Matthews Matofsky, who starred as Slightly in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy (disneyplus.com/browse/entity-7b95db94-b7dd-498…).
When this film premiered, Noah became the first actor with Down syndrome to have a speaking role in a live-action Disney feature film. And we had the joy of sitting down with him not long after the movie was released.
In this episode, Noah joins us from the UK to share:
• How he went from school plays to being cast in a Disney film

• What it was like auditioning during lockdown

• Learning lines and filming stunts (yes, he had a stunt double!)

• Six months on set in Canada

• Red carpets, press tours, and being recognized in public

• Why representation matters

• His dreams for what’s next (Harry Potter? Toy Story? We’re planting seeds.)

We also hear from Noah’s dad about what it was like supporting him through filming, balancing family life, and watching his dream unfold.
This conversation is joyful, funny, and hopeful. It’s a reminder that our kids belong on every stage — including the biggest ones.
Noah is also an ambassador for Down Syndrome UK and continues to use his platform to encourage others:
“Don’t take it as a disadvantage. Add that to your life and do more in your life.”
We’re so proud of him. And we’re so grateful for the way representation continues to grow.

Follow Noah⁠ (instagram.com/noahmatthewsmatofsky) on Instagram for more behind the scenes and see what’s next!
Noah has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the International Down Syndrome Congress in Florida this summer and is ⁠raising funds⁠ (gofundme.com/f/noahs-trip-to-world-down-syndro…) for his travel expenses.

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