Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Ambassador Daryl "Chill" Mitchell To Appear on “Desperate Housewives”

Fans of television dramas—both family and otherwise—have a special treat as they tune in to ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” this weekend. That’s because Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, an ambassador for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and its Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), will visit Wisteria Lane.

Short Hills, N.J. (January 28, 2010) -- Fans of television dramas—both family and otherwise—have a special treat as they tune in to ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” this weekend.

That’s because Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, an ambassador for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and its Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), will visit Wisteria Lane. Why, you ask—is “Orson” really going to be paralyzed for the rest of his life? No spoilers here; you’ll have to tune in to ABC at 9/8 Central on Sunday, January 31.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Long Island, N.Y., Mitchell first came to the public’s attention as a member of the three-man rap group Groove B Chill. A music video made to accompany the group’s new album quickly led to an acting career, beginning with the feature film “House Party,” and later on, among others, “Galaxy Quest” and “Lucky Numbers,” as well as “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “Law & Order,” and as a series regular on “The John Larroquette Show” and “Veronica’s Closet.” In November 2001, Mitchell was involved in a motorcycle accident, which left him a paraplegic and paralyzed from the waist down.

Most recently, Mitchell hit the small screen with FOX’s “Brothers,” where he stars alongside Michael Strahan, CCH Pounder and Carl Weathers. He is one of five nominees for the Television category of “Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series” in the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards, which will be broadcast live on FOX on Friday, February 26, at 8/7 Central.

“I know my role on ‘Desperate Housewives’ isn’t a large one,” said Mitchell, “but it’s a huge move forward for those living with paralysis when a show of this magnitude hires a paralyzed actor to play someone who’s paralyzed.

“It’s another way for me to show my brothers and sisters in the paralyzed community that not only does life go on after paralysis, but it can be rich and fulfilling. That’s why I’m so passionate about my work with the Foundation and the PRC.”

A recent survey by the Foundation showed that there are a disproportionate number of African-Americans living with paralysis; about 17 percent when compared to a little over 12 percent of the American population that’s African-American.

“Chill’s enthusiasm and zest for life is inspiring,” said Joe Canose, Vice President, Quality of Life for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “The example he sets to those who live with paralysis, particularly those in the African-American community, is wonderful. When people like Chill succeed despite tremendous odds, it brings a tremendous message of hope to all of us, but especially to those who really need it.”