THE MIDDLE Child Star ATTICUS SCHAFFER Conquers Physical Disability. Says His Parents Support His Acting Dreams!
Atticus Shaffer, born June 19 1998, stars as Brick Heck on ABC’s comedy, “The Middle,” lives in Acton, California, with his mother, Debbie, and father, Ron, as well as a host of rescue animals including two dogs, four cats, several chickens, fish and one rabbit. He also has a brother, twenty years his senior! Atticus suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) a genetic bone disorder resulting in fragile bones. About his disability Schaffer says, “It’s a small portion of me and nothing more. I take extra precautions where I step to make sure it’s safe. And I shouldn’t do anything with heavy lifting or anything that could make me slip and fall.”
[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=“full” Shaffer was discovered by his manager in 2006 and quickly booked a guest starring role in the series “The Class.” That role led Atticus Shaffer to the role of Brick in the original ABC pilot for “The Middle.”[/box]
Atticus is home schooled by his mom and excels in his education. Of his mom he says “we learn together.” Way to go HM Debbie! It obvious neither Atticus nor his parents let OI slow him down which is illustrated not only by his acting but his involvement with the Boy Scouts. He loves to camp, earn Merit badges, read, play LEGOS, researching military history and collect World War II memorabilia. His favorite presidents are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Atticus is a wonderful example of a child who is living his life to the fullest despite his challenges and he gives full credit to his mom and dad for enabling him to do so.
The show is called “The Middle”. Not “In the Middle”
Thanks!
I think atticus is sooooooo adorable!! Im’m thirteen and i’m born the day after his,HONEST!!! I also like yu gi oh and i was a boy scout myself!!! he’s so like me.If i could only adopt him,I will! i also wanted to be a child actor but one day i will be an actor. But all in all,i just wanted to say thank you to atticus because he showed me how to go on even though the obstacles might try to put you down.THANX ATTICUS!!!
your my fave for sure.
What led me here? Well, the middle is my favorite television sitcom. I am in love with it. Lots of laughs and great entertainment for the whole family. Atticus Schaffer, who plays brick, reminds me of me when I was his age. I could related to him. His best friend is his back pack my best friend was a piece of lint that I carried with me every where I went. I remember taking ‘lint’ out of my pocket during recess and talking with him. Sad, huh?
Anyway…it looks like Atticus and I share the same birthday too! I was born on Father’s Day June 19.
Atticus you inspire me and I think you are a great actor….actor.
And I love the rest of the cast too. It’s like living my youth all over again. For reals!
[…] Atticus Shaffer. You’ve probably never heard of him. But, you will recognize him as one of the stars of ABC’s new show The Middle. This spring, it was revealed in People Magazine that Atticus is a member of the OI community and so is his mother. His mother is Type 1, the same form that I have. Atticus is Type 4. When asked about Osteogenesis Imperfecta he responded, “It’s a small portion of me and nothing more. I take extra precautions where I step to make sure it’s safe. And I shouldn’t do anything with heavy lifting or anything that could make me slip and fall.” HollywoodMomBlog. […]
Absolutely love The Middle! Brick is the favourite. After reading this just like him more. Such a smart and brave child!
U ROCK BRICK!!!!!…BRICK
Re: “The Middle”
Great charscter portrayals Atticus & remaining cast members!!
My son has OI .Grade IV B. and was born in Jan 1998 … i call him your ‘twin’ – he looks like u, talks like u and also has the same interests as u!!! his name is Cameron, but we now call him Brick lol … everytime I watch an episode of The Middle it makes me smile, because i can see my son in your place!!
Keep up the good work, and if u r ever in the UK … it would b great to meet u … and take a pic of u with your twin lol 🙂
I love this show and I applaud this boy for not letting his condition stop him! We knew something was not quite right with him so I read up and found out about his condition. I do not feel sorry for him because I feel in my heart he does not want anyone to feel sorry for him. He is a darling little boy and I hope this show continues on. I love all the characters, but Brick has to be my favorite. He is so dang cute!!!!
Can’t believe how real that show is. I love Brick especially, but they are all imperfectly wonderful. The last episode about having 20bucks to buy presents made me, as a single mom to 2 boys, feel less alone. I was just wondering where the money came from to get the expensive ingredients for over 1000 cookies. Lol. I know it’s a comedy, I just notice stuff like that. That would cost a bundle. I hope the church paid for it.
Hola yo soy de ECUADOR y me encanta esta serie,
i think we need this kind of comedy in our life , with out sex or drugs to make us laugh .
I pray for “Brick” he is an example for US,
You are going to go far young man. Hope your doing well. LOVE YOU!!!
I love Atticus as well as the other stars of the show. He is a fine actor. It’s my favorite show.
Is Atticus autistic?
What an exceptional child. God has truly blessed him with talent and charm. I accidentally came upon the show one night and fell in love with it. Everyone on the show is great. Atticus, however is my fave. I will be following him for a long time to come.
YOU GO BRICK, I’M ROOTING FOR YOU PAL. BRAVE SOULS ALSO COME IN SMALL PACKAGES. YOU’RE A 6 FOOTER IN MY EYES. GOD BLESS
I’m sitting at home with my girlfriend watching The Middle right now. I remember when the show first started. It was one of my mandatory shows to watch next to sports!!!!
I live for you and I think you’re a wonderful and very accomplished actor. Keep up the good work.
TO: Sandra
You asked if Atticus is Autistic. Did you bother to read the article??? He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) a genetic bone disorder resulting in fragile bones.
This is a website to learn more about Atticus’s bone disease which his mother also has. Atticus has Type IV (4) and his mother has the same bone disease however, she has Type I (1).
http://www.oif.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AOI_Types
Love atticus’ work along with the cast. This show is just wonderful. It’s believable as well as original and creative. The actress who plays Sue is delightful and ultra talented. Atticus lends a brilliance of creativity not on other shows. I could go on all day about it!
High my name is colton smith. I’m one of three people to get the drug premidernate in to the U.S. I was born with type two slash three. My life’s dream is to meet u. If u could have someone contact me my number is 814-853-3935. I’ve spent most my life in Shriner in Montreal. I was three kid in my age to test the drug and it work and we brought it to the states for kids with O I
Hey I’m the same Colton Smith. I believe I gave my wrong address its smith93628@gmail.com Atticus pls hit me up I know how u feel. I’d like to meet u before I cant. I have 2 slash 3. It would mean the world to me if I could meet u
My son has OI type 1. I am a nurse and try to homeschool him the best I can while working. Despite U.S. Keeping him sheltered he has had 16 broken bones ans 5 surgeries. Most people that meet him love him instantly and think he is a child in a old mans body. He is truly remarkable with people especially adults and has a redneck accent that makes his talking all the more interesting. I admire Atticus for having the opportunity to make a stand with this disease, I know my son is truly special too, he and Atticus would probably be fast friends. Hats off to you Atticus and your family.
Thank you for sharing about your son. God bless.
I shouldn t complain about my pain .Atticus gas it way worse God Bless his family and Atticus
Hello Atticus, ( Brick ) We watch your show, each of the Actors are great, but we feel that you are an Asset to the show! I don’t know alot of OI but I, my husband have many disabilitys, had surgeries, also my hubby has a nerve disease called RSD. I on the other hand have 4 disc’s in my neck that are herniated disc I’ ve seen 4 or so Nero doc’s whom Don’t want to do surgery so I have pain management until I can’t take it any more, those nerve doc’s say it’s a hard surgery ! My Point is I know about all the pain, suffering I have but you are an Actor, good one, you’re young, will grow, but you don’t let OI. hold you back, so I think you will go far in your life, be happy! Bless You Atticus