Does Phoebe-Rae Taylor from Out of My Mind have cerebral palsy? Everything you need to know

Disney+’s upcoming film Out of My Mind is a heartwarming coming-of-age story but also a significant step in inclusive storytelling. Based on Sharon M. Draper’s 2010 novel of the same name, the film centers around Melody Brooks, a nonverbal sixth-grader with cerebral palsy, navigating a world that often misunderstands her abilities.

The film’s casting choice has drawn attention for its authenticity: Phoebe-Rae Taylor, a young actor making her debut, stars as Melody.

What makes Phoebe-Rae’s performance particularly impactful is that she, like her character, lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

This representation of disability by someone who shares that lived experience offers a genuine perspective, shedding light on both the challenges and the triumphs faced by people with disabilities.

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Phoebe-Rae Taylor from Out of My Mind has cerebral palsy

Phoebe-Rae Taylor has cerebral palsy. The young actor’s journey to becoming the lead in Out of My Mind is both inspiring and groundbreaking. Born and raised in Essex, England, Phoebe-Rae was only 10 years old when she auditioned for the role, submitting a home-made tape at her mother’s encouragement.

Her talent and connection to the character stood out, but the production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving her first acting opportunity a delayed but highly anticipated debut.

Phoebe-Rae’s cerebral palsy mirrors that of her character, Melody Brooks, making her portrayal deeply authentic.

While many films and TV shows cast able-bodied actors in roles representing people with disabilities, Out of My Mind takes a significant step in normalizing accurate representation by allowing Phoebe-Rae to bring her own experiences into the performance.

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More details on Phoebe-Rae Taylor of Out of My Mind

Phoebe-Rae Taylor is a teenager who, outside her acting pursuits, enjoys a life filled with relatable interests and activities. She lives in Essex with her mother and three sisters Heidi, Farrah, and Kiki alongside her beloved pets, a Labradoodle named Ludo and a cat named Flur.

Like many her age, she loves music, spending time on her phone, and watching Friends, a passion she shares with her on-screen character, Melody.

Speaking to BBC, Phoebe-Rae revealed she is also an advocate against childhood bullying, a topic she feels strongly about. Balancing her studies with her acting career, the young star has shown remarkable dedication.

During the film’s production in Canada, she only missed two weeks of school, underscoring her commitment to her education and professional ambitions.

In interviews with BBC, Phoebe-Rae has spoken about the challenges and joys of acting. She said,

"I hate looking at myself on anything. I'm not confident at all, so it was so weird, but I felt like the storyline is so important and so powerful - it's amazing to watch."

She hopes people will walk away from the movie with a renewed understanding of how disabled individuals are treated and a reminder that even if they look or sound a bit different, they’re not.

She hopes her portrayal will encourage more people to understand and empathize with the experiences of those living with disabilities.

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What is the movie Out of My Mind about?

Out of My Mind is a Disney+ adaptation of the beloved 2010 novel by Sharon M. Draper. Directed by Amber Sealey and written by Daniel Stiepleman, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 before its Disney+ release on November 22, 2024.

The story revolves around Melody Brooks, a sixth-grader with cerebral palsy and a photographic memory. Despite being nonverbal and reliant on a wheelchair, Melody’s intelligence and determination shine through.

Using assistive technology that allows her to communicate, Melody, with the voice of Jennifer Aniston, shares her inner thoughts and navigates the complex dynamics of school life.

The film goes into Melody’s journey of self-expression and independence, highlighting her relationships with her family, friends, and teachers. It also confronts societal attitudes toward people with disabilities, portraying how even well-meaning individuals often underestimate them.

The cast includes:

• Phoebe-Rae Taylor as Melody Brooks
• Jennifer Aniston as Melody’s Inner Voice
• Rosemarie DeWitt as Diane (Melody’s mother)
• Luke Kirby as Chuck (Melody’s father)
• Judith Light as Mrs. V. (Melody’s supportive neighbor)
• Michael Chernus as Mr. Dimming (Melody’s teacher)
• Emily Mitchell as Penny Brooks (Melody’s younger sister)

Out of My Mind aims to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding. At its heart, the film is about resilience, friendship, and the power of voice both literal and metaphorical.

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Out of My Mind will be streaming on Disney+ from November 22, 2024.