Ruth Madeley stars in Apple TV biopic about disability rights leader Judy Heumann
The film recounts the 1977 sit-in that forced the federal government to enforce accessibility laws, starring the British actor who uses a wheelchair.
By Nikolai Patterson ·
A new Apple TV production focused on the history of American disability rights opened in theaters on Friday, with a digital premiere scheduled for November 13. The film, titled Being Heumann, centers on Judy Heumann, a civil rights activist who died in 2023 at the age of 75. Director Siân Heder spent two years collaborating with Heumann before her death, using their conversations to shape the narrative of the project.
The story depicts the 1977 occupation of the San Francisco offices of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Approximately 150 protesters, led by Heumann, staged a sit-in to compel Secretary Joseph Califano to enforce the Rehabilitation Act. Although the legislation had passed four years earlier, it had not been implemented, leaving federal buildings inaccessible to many Americans with disabilities.
Ruth Madeley, 39, portrays Heumann in the lead role. Born in the United Kingdom with spina bifida, Madeley has used a wheelchair for most of her life. She cites the 2020 documentary Crip Camp and Heumann’s 2020 autobiography as primary research materials. Madeley described Heumann as a central figure in the community, noting that the character required a specific blend of humor and determination that matched her own personality.
Heder selected Madeley for her ability to capture the intensity of the subject. The director stated that Heumann possessed a ferocity that intimidated colleagues and protesters alike. Madeley agreed that portraying Heumann required showing her flaws rather than presenting a simplified version of a disabled hero. The production features an ensemble cast of disabled actors, a departure from typical Hollywood productions where disabled performers are rarely the primary talent.
The casting choice reflects a shift in representation within the film industry. Madeley noted that she previously struggled to see herself reflected on screen, which influenced her decision to become an actor. She is BAFTA-nominated for her work in the 2015 film Don’t Take My Baby. For this project, the cast’s presence at the Toronto International Film Festival served as a visible statement about inclusive casting in major productions.
The film is currently in release, with ongoing efforts by the production team to ensure accessibility for audiences. Heder continues to consult the legacy of Heumann during promotional events, asking how the activist would approach various logistical challenges. The movie aims to capture the collective energy of the 1977 protest while acknowledging the personal difficulties of its participants.
No further release dates or awards announcements have been listed for the film beyond its initial digital launch. The production marks the first major biopic dedicated to a disabled protagonist in recent mainstream cinema. Madeley plans to continue her acting career with projects that prioritize authentic representation of disabled characters.
