CONNOR LONG
Connor Long is a global advocate, athlete, actor & speaker.
He has been recognized by national & international advocacy organizations for his life-long work on behalf of people with differing abilities, whether physical or intellectual. He has received awards from the National Down Syndrome Society, the Council for Exceptional Children, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the John Lynch Foundation, the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation, and The Arc of the United States. In 2019, served as a congressional intern in the Boulder district office.
His acting credits include stage, screen, live action, internet and television. He is a founding player in the Tapestry Theatre Company, an inclusive all-abilities troupe in Boulder County, Colorado. His film projects, both short and feature, have streamed and played festivals around the world, including a world premiere at Sundance. He has studied and performed with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival School of Theatre, Denver's Phamaly Theatre Company and the FACE Academy of Music. His acclaimed performances resulted in several best actor nominations and include wins in the Filmstock Film Festival Utah for his work in Menschen, the Prix D'Interpretation (BestActor) at the International Festival Entr'2 Marches in Cannes, France, and the Breaking Down Barriers International Disability Film Festival in Moscow, Russia, for his lead role in the short film, Learning to Drive. In 2017, he earned a Heartlands Region EMMY for his groundbreaking role as a contributing reporter for Denver7News (KMGH-ABC) in Colorado. He enjoys singing the National Anthem at sporting events, most recently including a pre-game performance for the Denver Nuggets NBA basketball team.
As an athlete, he has competitive swimming achievements in high school (lettered twice) and Special Olympics. In 2019, he earned a spot on the USDSS National Team and competed with the team at the 2022 DownSyndromeInternationalSwimmingOrganization’s World Championship in Albufiera, Portugal. After learning to ride at age 16, he now cycles to raise funds for medical research and clinical care for Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and related conditions. He has earned a black belt in taekwondo and a broken ankle at the ninja gym.
He loves anything-mango, cheese, gluten-free pasta and a good audience.