Fearlessly Different

An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage

By: Mickey Rowe

Narrated by: Mickey Rowe

My name is Mickey Rowe. I am an actor, a theatre director, a father, and a husband. I am also a man with autism. You think those things don’t go together? Let me show you that they do.

Growing up, Mickey Rowe was told that he couldn’t enter the mainstream world. He was iced out by classmates and colleagues, infantilized by well-meaning theatre directors, barred from even earning a minimum wage. Why? Because he is autistic.

Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage is Mickey Rowe’s story of growing up autistic and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on Broadway. As an autistic and legally blind person, living in a society designed by and for non-disabled people, it was always made clear to Mickey the many things he was apparently incapable of doing. But Mickey did them all anyway - and he succeeded because of, not in spite of, his autism. He became the first autistic actor to play the lead role in the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, landed the title role in the play Amadeus, co-created the theatre/philanthropy company Arts on the Waterfront, and founded the National Disability Theatre. Mickey faced untold obstacles along the way, but his story ends in triumph.

Many people feel they are locked out of the world of autism - that it’s impossible to even begin to understand. In Fearlessly Different, Mickey guides listeners to that world while also helping those with autism to feel seen and understood. And he shows all people - autistic and non-autistic alike - that the things that make us different are often our biggest strengths.

©2022 Mickey Rowe (P)2022 Recorded Books

A MUST READ BOOK!!

This book is perhaps the most eye-opening book I have read on autism. Mickey is an incredibly gifted author who writes a powerful, informative, and inspiring book on autism. As a mother of a 7 year old autistic son, I have become a staunch advocate for autistic people and the disability community. Listening to mickey’s audiobook I learned even more that will help me in my advocacy efforts. I also feel even more connected to my son through seeing things through mickey’s eyes. I hope he writes more books on autism and other topics as he is a tremendous talent.

Best Audiobook I’ve Ever Listened To

My wife attended a conference Mickey was the keynote at in Tuscaloosa, AL. She came home and was so charged by her experience that I decided to listen to Mickey’s book. I knew very little about autism, so I wanted to find out more. So thankful to have listened to this book. I have to say this was the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. From the performance to the content, it was awesome!

Understanding the realities of disabled people

I loved how unfiltered and genuine Rowe was with the realities of disabled people. He opened up to the reader about his inner most thoughts and discussions that are usually hushed away, such as unemployment, sex, relationships, and parenthood. He explained that people with disabilities aren't helpless; they simply navigate the world differently. Not only does he actively tell the reader the hardships of a cis white disabled man, but also for disabled Black and POCs. He continues to learn about himself in ways he didn't think possible.

This book is a great conversational piece to understand and learn the struggles what disabled people have to deal with. Many people like myself might only understand disabilities such as Autism through pop culture or through a loved one. He presented how that came as a challenge when trying to get casted for character roles or forming relationships.

More than what I expected

More than a life story that has only just begun. Filled with statistics, thought challenges and paradigm challenges. A book to read whether you have autism or not. Know someone or don’t. Are neurodivergent or not.

Amazing!

I enjoyed learning about autism. It’s wonderful that you’re giving readers a  window into your amazing life. I can imagine how hard you’ve worked to get to this place in your life.  I have aphasia and apraxia due to a stroke. You have helped so many people by living your life and showing what tenacity looks like!