Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Sanchez.
Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey isn’t unlike anyone else’s. I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, trials and triumphs, and ultimately that’s how I ended up where I am today. In 2014 I was involved in a motorcycle accident which left me paralyzed from the chest down. After feeling like I was on top of the world earlier that October night, when I received that diagnosis, I fell into the lowest point that I never thought I’d be in. But, with a little bit of self-determination and finally placing a big bet on myself, I’ve achieved things I never thought possible all from a wheelchair. In everything, I always try to inspire not just the disabled community but everyone to see that if “Anthony can, I can.” I’ve done acting, modeling, and brand ambassadorships, from Walmart to C4 Energy, Dell Computers, and Ariat international. I’ve also been blessed that this has allowed me to provide financially for my daughter who is the driving force behind everything I do. I wake up every day knowing that I’ve been given a huge blessing and will never take this opportunity for granted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road in life heading anywhere worthwhile is a smooth or easy one. After my paralysis became real to me, I fell into a deep depression and closed myself off to friends’ family and those who cared about me. As a result, my longtime girlfriend and I broke up and she had just given birth to my daughter. The job that I worked at for 10 years laid me off. I put on 70 pounds because I found solace in food. I was a shell of my former self. It seemed like everywhere I turned, tragedy just kept rehashing itself in a different form.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My close friends give me a hard time, but being a social media influencer and brand ambassador has its perks, especially when you’re traveling out in public at a gas station and people run up and they know who you are. While I never pursued this to become a celebrity, I can’t lie and say it doesn’t make me feel good to know that not only am I being influential in a genuine way but that people actually know who I am. My favorite professional work has to be doing commercials. There’s something about the life on set that really helps me to realize how real my dreams have become. I look at all of these people who have years of experience and they treat me as if I’m the veteran on set. I love the fact that I’m able to break down barriers and perceptions of what is possible from the disabled community.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Representation matters. Recently Marvel has introduced characters across their MCU from communities that are still very fairly invisible when it comes to major media. I love the fact that when I’m cast, I’m not playing a character in a wheelchair but that I am true and genuine to the role. I feel the more I do and the more I’m seen, the more people like me are seen in society and more accommodations and considerations can be made for my community. I think the film industry has definitely experienced a shift and I’m glad to be part of this next generation of actors and models.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@theanthonysanchez.com
- Website: www.theanthonysanchez.com
- Instagram: @wheelchairpapi
- Youtube: @behindthechairasanchez
- Other: TikTok: @wheelchairpapi
