I Am Able Spotlight: Actor Kenny Johnson
Spotlight on Kenny Johnson: Actor, Advocate, and Advisory Board Member of I Am Able Foundation
I’ll never forget the day I met Kenny Johnson. I was visiting a friend in Los Angeles, and was at The Grove, when I spotted him. Just a few days earlier, I had watched his emotional and powerful story on Understood.org, where he opened up about his struggles and triumphs with dyslexia. As a special education teacher, I was always searching for stories that can inspire my students—stories that let them know they aren’t alone in their challenges and that success is possible, no matter what hurdles they may face. Kenny’s story was exactly what I wanted to share with my students at the start of the school year.
So there I was, standing at The Grove, thinking, “Should I go over and talk to him?” I knew him as the talented actor from shows like The Shield, S.W.A.T., Bates Motel, and Sons of Anarchy but what drew me to him that day was his openness about his learning differences. Summoning up my courage, I walked over and introduced myself. I thanked him for sharing his dyslexia journey and told him how excited I was to bring his story into my classroom. His reaction was everything I could have hoped for—he was so gracious, so warm, and so genuine. Kenny listened intently and seemed genuinely touched that his story could make a difference in the lives of my students. That moment sparked a connection that has lasted over the years.
One of the most impactful moments in Kenny's career came while he was working on the hit show S.W.A.T.. In a special storyline, his character, Dominique Luca, mentors a child who is struggling with dyslexia. What made this storyline even more significant was that the child was played by Kenny’s real-life daughter, Angelica. The connection between father and daughter, both on-screen and off, brought an authentic and heartfelt dimension to the portrayal of living with dyslexia. This storyline wasn’t just acting—it was a reflection of real-life experiences and a powerful way to show that those with learning differences can thrive with the right support.
But Kenny’s dedication goes beyond what you see on TV. He’s committed to making a difference in real life, too. I’ll always be grateful for the day he graciously Skyped with my students, taking time out of his busy schedule to connect with them. During that conversation, he opened up about his personal journey with dyslexia and ADHD. He spoke candidly about the struggles he faced growing up, how he overcame obstacles, and how he continues to manage his learning differences today. Kenny didn’t just offer words of encouragement—he gave my students practical advice. He shared tips on how he successfully memorizes lines for his acting roles, something that’s no easy feat for someone with dyslexia. His message was clear: Embrace your learning differences, use them as strengths, and never be afraid to advocate for yourself.
The impact of that conversation was profound. My students saw in Kenny someone who understood what they were going through, someone who had faced similar challenges and come out stronger on the other side. His message of perseverance and self-advocacy resonated deeply with them, and I could see the hope and inspiration in their eyes.
His dedication to raising awareness about learning differences and his passion for helping others shines through in everything he does. It’s no surprise that he joined our advisory board—his voice and experience have added so much value to our mission. He continues to advocate for neurodiversity, helping to create a world where every learner is understood and accepted for who they are.
His journey from a struggling student to a successful actor and advocate is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of self-acceptance, and the strength that comes from embracing who you are. He shows all of us that our differences can be our greatest strengths.
I am so grateful to have Kenny Johnson as part of the I Am Able Foundation family. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support mean the world to me, to our organization, and to the countless people whose lives he has touched.
