"I encourage all differently abled artists to strip the cultural, or even the self confined limitations that they or we place onto ourselves. Please share in my journey as I navigate my newfound freedom and acceptance as a person who faces the uncertainty of a different kind of life; one that is filled with hope and longing, as well as the challenges I face as I heal my brain and manage my symptoms to live a healthy, and productive life.
MY STORY
Heather was born into a show business family. Her mother was a theatre actress, and her dad was an aspiring writer. The acting bug bit her at seven when she played a baby spider in her school's production of Charlotte’s Web. As a child actress, Heather made her professional debut in a series of commercials for the food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken and continued to act in television and film roles on both coasts.
Her distinctive and compellingly throaty voice drew the attention of the advertising community, winning her the voice-over role for Mattel’s Tomboy doll. She was also cast as the voice of Dino DeLaurentis’ The Shark Boy of Bora Bora, along with many radio and tv commercials.
At 18, Heather moved full-time to New York City to study under acclaimed acting teacher Anthony Abeson and would soon win the role of “Cat,” Sela Ward’s rebellious daughter, in the Emmy-winning NBC series “Sisters.” A year later, she was offered the “Surfer Betty” role in a new show, “Beverly Hills 90210” starring Shannon Doherty, Luke Perry, and Jason Priestly.
After six successful years on "Sisters," Heather decided to focus on her education and enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts summer program in England while celebrating the birth of her daughter Dani.
Then the heartbreaking news arrived from home that her beloved father, whom she credits for her grit, and determination, had been diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, a progressive, fatal disease. His passing made Heather realize the importance of family, and she vowed to spend more time in Europe with her husband and young daughters. And that’s precisely what she did for the next several years until her life-altering diagnosis.
It was early 2011, and Heather was participating in the Aids Ride from San Francisco to L.A. when she noticed an unusual weakness in her limbs and a slight loss of balance, forcing her to forfeit the ride. Then, after several neurological tests and a week of sleepless nights, she received the devastating news. She was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Degeneration, a slowly progressive brain disorder that affects speech, balance, and gait, and currently has no cure.
And thus began Heather’s new mission: to draw awareness, educate and encourage acceptance of this and all disabilities.