in Desperate and created Life Goes On with Burke's character, Charles "Corky" Thatcher, as the main role. Corky was the first character in a network television series with Down syndrome. Burke's revolutionary role conveyed a realistic portrayal of people with Down syndrome and changed the way audiences viewed people with disabilities. Life Goes On propelled Burke into fame and wide recognition. The series ran from 1989 to 1993. Later acting roles Since Life Goes On, Burke has made appearances on numerous TV shows and movies, most notably co-starring with JoBeth Williams in the NBC Movie of the Week Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted. Some of his TV show and movie appearances include: Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted, TV movie, 1992 North and South, Book III: Heaven & Hell, miniseries, 1994 The Commish TV series, 1994 Promised Land TV series, 1997 Touched by an Angel recurring as Taylor, an angel who has Down syndrome, 1997 The Division, 2002 ER, 2002 Awards Golden Globe Award Nominee, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV, 1990 Golden Apple Awards Nominee, 1990 Ten Outstanding Young Americans, 1991 National Rehabilitation Hospital Honoree, 1993 Just One Break (JOB) Ability First Award, 1995 Hall of Honor, AHRC, 1999 Down syndrome advocacy Burke has been the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society since 1994. He has starred in the organization's acclaimed public service announcements, including Tracey Ullman in 1999 and, more recently, for the My Great Story public awareness campaign with actor John C. McGinley and TV Hosts Meredith Vieira and Nancy O'Dell. As a Goodwill Ambassador, he travels the country attending Buddy Walks, making public appearances, speaking with the press and greeting fans. When he is not on the road, Burke is a valued member of the National Down Syndrome Society's staff, working in their New York City office. Burke has delivered inspirational speeches around the world and continues to speak at schools, seminars, conferences and non-profit organizations. He also tours the U.S. with his three piece musical group, "Chris Burke with Joe and John DeMasi", for which he is the singer. Burke met his bandmates, twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi, when they were music counselors at the town of Hempstead, New York's ANCHOR program for individuals with disabilities, when Burke was a teenager. The group has released four albums. Lollipops and Love Songs was released