Andrea Fay Friedman, known for her role as Amanda Swanson in the 1990s TV series “Life Goes On,” has passed away at the age of 53. She succumbed to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease in Santa Monica, California.
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Friedman made a significant impact by portraying characters with Down syndrome, contributing to increased representation on screen. Her role as Amanda Swanson in “Life Goes On” garnered recognition as she started as the girlfriend of Corky Thatcher, played by Chris Burke, eventually becoming his wife.
Beyond “Life Goes On,” she appeared in various well-known TV shows like “Baywatch,” “Touched by an Angel,” “7th Heaven,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “ER.” After a hiatus from acting after 2010, Friedman returned to the screen in her last role as Carol Harris in the 2019 film “Carol of the Bells,” which was noted for its inclusive crew.
Her final voice role in 2010 in “Family Guy,” where her character Ellen had Down syndrome, sparked controversy due to references to Sarah Palin. Despite the backlash, Friedman defended her role as an actor, emphasizing the importance of diversity and challenges in storytelling.
Andrea Fay Friedman is survived by her father, Hal Friedman, and sister, Katherine Holland.
