Many young actors aspire to perform on Broadway someday. For York graduate Anthony Michael Lopez, that day is every day. He is currently appearing in Our Town at the Barrymore Theatre.

Lopez began developing his artistic talents early in life at Elmhurst Children’s Theatre. He continued to hone these skills at York, where he appeared in numerous theater productions throughout high school. Acting has always been his passion, and it shows.

One of the first amputees ever to appear on Broadway, Lopez is also a trailblazer in disability representation. As a leg amputee, his path has not been without its challenges. His biggest hurdle, however, has been overcoming others’ limited mindsets and biases about disability.

“Of course, my disability has slowed me down at times,” said Lopez with conviction. “But that’s okay. Sometimes it’s better to go slow. Ultimately, my disability is one of my greatest assets.”

If you find yourself in New York this spring, be sure to catch Lopez in Othello, which is set to open in February.

Elmhurst Magazine (EM): Have you always had a prosthetic leg?

Anthony Michael Lopez (AML): Yes, I was born with a congenital disability that affected my right leg. I’ve worn a prosthesis my whole life. I recently learned that I am only the third amputee to appear on Broadway. In many ways, my disability has been a gift. Kenny Leon, the director of Our Town and Othello, the play I’m doing next, wants to somehow work my disability into my character. But whether or not they’d admit it, a lot of people don’t want to see depictions of disability onstage or onscreen. I think they want to pretend disability just doesn’t exist. But the way I see it, disability representation just reminds us that our bodies are all limited in some way. Anyone can become disabled at any time – that’s something that connects us all, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

EM: How long have you been involved in theater?

AML: I started out with Elmhurst Children’s Theater (ECT), which provided excellent training. It was very professional. It’s where I learned the basics of stage technique. I felt very prepared and ahead of others when I got to college theater, thanks to my time spent with the organization and also York.

EM: What was your first-ever role?

AML: It was a show called Krazy Kamp at ECT. I honestly don’t remember it well except that I think it was the typical summer camp story. Somewhere, there are photos of me scaring a girl with a snake.

EM: What was your first big break?

AML: Camelot at Lincoln Center. I played Sir Dinadan alongside Phillipa Soo, who played Eliza from Hamilton. It was a five-month run. I had already built a career doing other theater and TV commercials, but Camelot opened a lot of doors for me, so it was a great experience.

EM: What is your favorite role you have played so far?

AML: It’s hard to say, as so many blend together at this point. I love Shakespeare. I did Titus Andronicus here at a public theater in NYC. My first semi-professional show was The Wild Duck in Chicago. I was still in college, and I got to work with professional actors who had a lot of experience, which was great. Their advice carried me a long way when I was starting out. It got good reviews. I like the classical stuff.

EM: What are you currently working on?

AML: At the moment, I am the understudy for Jim Parsons’ (from The Big Bang Theory) role, the Stage Manager in Our Town. Richard Thomas, who played John Boy in The Waltons, is playing Professor Webb. He’s done everything. We share a dressing room right now. When you’re in a space that small, you often become good friends. We’re similar in our high standards and love of theater. He’s in his seventies now, but he is still so gracious when people see us out in restaurants and tell him how much they loved The Waltons.

EM: Are there any actors you emulate?

AML: Anthony Hopkins, because he’s so simple. He doesn’t need to do much. You feel everything he is thinking and feeling. He doesn’t have to show you a lot.

EM: What would be your dream role?

AML: Definitely a Shakespeare role. I want to do all of Shakespeare!

EM: Have you done any film?

AML: I’ve done a bunch of film work. I was in Mapplethorpe with Matt Smith from Dr. Who, Broad City on Comedy Central, and Homeland with Claire Danes. I’m on season three of The Gilded Age on HBO, which started in November. I was in Survival of the Thickest as Michelle Buteau’s fashion assistant, Bruce. I did a Smart Water ad with Zendaya. I worked with Daniel Craig in Othello a few years ago.

EM: Do you prefer Hollywood or Broadway?

AML: We always want what we don’t have. It’s great to be on stage where it’s about that moment and dialogue and presence, with no recording of it. I try to have a balance of both because I think it’s important. Theater stretches a different part of the acting muscle than film. I really love the opportunities both have given me. I’m lucky to have a career in which I can do both.

EM: How did you feel the first time the Broadway curtain went up?

AML: That was the opening of Camelot. I was terrified! But I think fear is a good thing. It’s never not terrifying to go on stage. I get terrified when I order a cup of coffee (laughter). I’m perpetually nervous. The nerves never really go away. But I think that might be for the best. Half of the thrill of performing is learning to deal with stage fright.

EM: Any special tricks to memorizing your lines and taking care of your voice?

AML: I’ve always had a good memory of those things. It’s kind of like memorizing a song. It’s just something you learn to do in this business. As far as my voice is concerned, it depends on the show. The voice demand in Our Town is pretty low. But for Camelot, I had to start warming up an hour or two before rehearsal so the right muscles were activated and the ones that might get in the way were kind of relaxed.

EM: Is it hard to stay motivated to play the same part for so long?

AML: I just try to stay connected to my scene partner, and that always helps with motivation. There are differences every day because it’s live theater, and people bring a different energy to it every day. There’s always a new audience, too, so that’s something that changes as well.

EM: What are the best and worst things about NYC?

AML: NYC is crowded and dirty. There’s a real grit and reality to it. Walking through Times Square to get to work every day is a pain. But New York City is the best city. I arrived here 15 years ago, so it’s my home now. I have a career because I live here. I couldn’t really do this elsewhere. The level of theater, film, and TV all in the same place just doesn’t exist elsewhere, except maybe in London. I love NYC!

EM: What do you miss from home?

AML: I miss my family, for sure. I try to get home two or three times a year, but it’s tough when I’m doing a show. I didn’t get home for the holidays this year. I miss green space and sometimes the quiet of the suburbs. I miss Chicago culture in general.

Anthony Michael Lopez on opening night of Camelot at the Lincoln Center

Lopez as Sir Dinadan in Camelot

The Broadway revival of Our Town starring Lopez will conclude this January.

AML: Othello. Denzel Washington will have the title role. And Jake Gyllenhaal is playing Iago. Kenny Leon, whom I am currently working with on Our Town, is directing. It previews at the end of next month.