Born Name:  Geraldine Ann Jewell

Born Date:  September 13, 1956

Born Place:  Buffalo, New York

Died Date: 

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Occupations:  Actress, comedian, diversity consultant, motivational speaker

Brief Biography:  Geri Jewell is best known as the first person with cerebral palsy to secure a recurring role on a prime-time series, The Facts of Life (1980–1984). Inspired by Carol Burnett, she launched her career in 1978 and later gained acclaim for her role in HBO's Deadwood and for her work as a disability and LGBTQ+ advocate.

Key Facts and Biography:
Early Life: Born prematurely in Buffalo, New York, due to a car accident, Jewell was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at eighteen months old. She later moved to California to access specialized education.
Breaking Barriers: In 1980, she broke television barriers as "Cousin Geri" on The Facts of Life. Despite this, she faced immense challenges, including financial exploitation by a former manager.

Career Highlights:
Stand-up: Began in 1978 at the Comedy Store.
Television: The Facts of Life (1980–1984), Deadwood (2004–2006, 2019 film).
Other appearances: 21 Jump Street, The Young and the Restless, Glee.

Advocacy and Memoir:
In 2011, she published her autobiography, I'm Walking as Straight as I Can, where she came out as a lesbian and detailed her life with cerebral palsy and her journey in Hollywood.

Motivational Speaking:
Jewell is an in-demand speaker for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, focusing on diversity and disability.