Every one of us comes with a purpose in this world. Sarah has never doubted her purpose and has brilliantly influenced the entertainment industry by proving that different can be beautiful and honest acting does not need any kind of label. After seeing her performance as Lady Pamela Holland in BBC TV series “Upstairs Downstairs”, anyone will be impressed by Sarah. She has worked very hard to keep herself ready for the demanding schedules of an acting professional and has gained tremendous respect from her peers. Sarah is not only a wonderful actor but she is also a fabulous dancer. She is a principle dancer for the Culture Device Dance Project. She is also a strong believer in campaigning for a cause and is a celebrity ambassador for Mencap. She has evolved herself as perfect role model.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a well know actor? Why did you choose acting as your profession?What kind of challenges do you face as an actor?S: I was always happy on stage even when I was little, the teachers knew I would help the others if they got nervous so I was in every play.Later I did a bit of amateur dramatics because I have to act. I did not think of becoming a professional. A television company needed somebody with Downs Syndrome to be the main guest artist on a show for three weeks, they found me.
All my work has been in the mainstream. My challenge as an actor is to know my character completely Always know my lines, be on time and be much better than anybody expects. I am very careful with my food and go to the gym four or five times a week. Production is expensive, I have never missed a day, or an hour.

How many TV series have you done so far? Which is closest to your heart and why? What kind of preparation do you need when you are acting in a TV series?S: I have been in two TV series as a regular but in many others as a guest artist. I met Heidi Thomas the writer of "Upstairs Downstairs" during filming. Heidi then went on to write Call The Midwife. When she came up with the idea of Sally Harper's story she booked me before she wrote it. That was very pleasing and it was successful.
My preparation for filming is probably the same as any other hard working actor. There is one thing that makes me different. My character always starts with smell. Heidi Thomas knows this so I asked her while she was still writing about how Sally smelled. Call The Midwife is set in a poor part of London in the 1950s If her dad was professional she would smell of a perfume, if the family were respectable working class, she would smell of carbolic soap. If she came from the bottom of society she may smell of dirt and cabbage. It helps me feel my way into the character. Pamela Holland in 'Upstairs Downstairs' wore 'Blue Grass' perfume, suitable for a young innocent lady.

Who is your favorite actor/actress? Which of his/her role would you like to do? What is your dream role? Which media do you prefer the most theater, radio or television and why?S: Thats difficult question, recently I saw "The Danish Girl" and I thought Alicia Vikander was real and tender. I would personally love to play a character who ages that would really exercise me. I favour film because the camera can see what you are thinking when you are not talking. However theatre gives you time to develop your character with the other actors which is a luxury. Radio is magic because the listener must see you in his mind. I love all the media.

Can you describe your typical working day? What do you like to do during your free time?S: The car may be scheduled for 5 a.m or 3 p.m. So my food and exercise routine is planned around my Call Times. You go over your lines in the trailer between scenes. I like to eat with the actors and crew, electricians, camera, catering, drivers I like the variety. The day is usually long and often just sitting on the hotel bed watching TV or skyping is enough in the evenings.

What is the one thing you want to wish for and why?S: I gave a speech a few weeks ago which was picked up by Andrew Billen The Times our largest National Newsaper. I got to say to the media what I thought which was good. (what the journalist said and my speech, 5 minutes long)
Adam, a young supermarket employee with a learning disability, had, apparently, recently come up to her to praise one of her performances but then said she was doing him no favours playing characters who were helpless and sad. “Please play a character with a job, a life and [who] giggles.” Gordy turned to the audience: “What could I say? I don’t rule the world. I’m happy to work, but can I change anything?” So there’s the gauntlet. Would a writer now kindly pick it up?
Speech
Hi My name is Sarah Gordy
This is a wonderful opportunity for me
to express my thoughts - on our industry - The Media
and what it is like - to be someone - with a learning disability.
In the beginning of my career
the stage managers and assistant directors
were Horrified when they saw me.
How were they going to keep to a tight schedule
with a central character played by someone with
Downs Syndrome?
What happens is we KEEP on schedule,
We DO good work - And - I earn respect.
I know this - because they tell me later
But now - they want to work with me again
Sorry if I am blowing my own trumpet
but to change things
I must talk about what I know
However my experience - is probably relevant to other industries.
Lisa Evans wrote my first TV show
She then got commissioned
to write my first professional play
"Once We Were mothers" - In a 800 seater theatre
In the round - A challenge
The play was a success
and a few years later, it got another production
at the Orange Tree Richmond With me attached
The writer trusts me I Earn Trust
I am lucky as the press seem to like me
There are 1.4 million people - with a learning disability
I think more of these people
should be involved with the media.
I think we should have more positive reflections in drama and print.
On stage I have played complex characters, who are sometimes .. HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL
TV is inclined to only have stories
about the problems disability brings.
The character is a “Disability” not a “woman”.
However, some writers who work with me
go onto writing more complex characters.
Thanks Heidi Thomas for my character in “Call the Midwife” - and Lisa Evans
May I suggest to TV bosses - think positive
have faith in your writers
as my American dad says
"some of the best ideas - come from left field"
I think that means - don’t be conservative.
You like winners!
You create winners by thinking differently
A few words about developing new talent
and changing public attitudes.
I would like to see more small parts
played by people with learning disability.
Where the character has Nothing to do with disability.
Perhaps the person in the newsagent
our hero chats to every day. Or
The receptionist who makes you smile
Non "issue" roles. Just part of society.
One last thought.
I had a young employee in a supermarket
come up to me.
Adam has a learning disability. He said
"Sarah you were brilliant yesterday, but you
are not doing us any favours
Your characters are always helpless and sad.
Please play a character with a job, a life and Giggles.
What could I say. I don't rule the world.
I'm happy to work ….. but can I change anything?
Thank You

Who is your inspiration?S: Behind me is my drama coach who says you dont have to say Yes to anything, but if you say Yes we deliver 100%.

What are your other hobbies?S: If I am not acting or dancing I work for charity. I am a celebrity Ambassador for Mencap so I give talks and write for them. I also also volunteer for the British Heart Foundation. I obviously love watching films and dancing.

What will be your advice for our special children who are interested in pursuing acting and dancing as their profession/passion?S: Do it because you love it. Keep fit, eat good food. For parents with little kids help them learn nursery rhymes it is good for the little grey cells.