Amy Trigg, a 33-year-old actress and writer born with spina bifida, has built a notable career in the performing arts while advocating for greater representation and support for disabled people in the United Kingdom. Born with a congenital condition affecting all four limbs, Trigg has used both her visibility and personal experience to highlight issues affecting the UK’s estimated 17 million disabled individuals.

Trigg was born with a prominent spinal lump and began using a wheelchair full-time by the age of eight, after her mobility declined over time. Throughout her childhood, she faced significant challenges, including bullying, but found solace in drama, which helped her build lasting friendships.

She became the first wheelchair user admitted to a performance course at Mountview drama school, marking a milestone in accessibility in arts education. Her early theatre career includes a role in The Glass Menagerie in Nottingham in 2016, followed by performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company in productions such as Measure for Measure and The Taming of the Shrew.

In addition to acting, Trigg is an accomplished television writer, contributing to series including “Ralph and Katie” and “Toxic Town.” Her debut play, “Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me,” which won the Women’s Prize for Playwriting in 2020, is currently being adapted for television.

Trigg’s breakthrough role came with the musical The Little Big Things, where she co-starred alongside Gracie, another disabled performer. The musical is based on the memoir of Henry Fraser, a former sportsman who became paralyzed after a diving accident. For her performance, Trigg received an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

The production also had personal significance for Trigg, who met fellow cast member Jordan Benjamin during the run. Benjamin, who recently appeared in the cast of Hamilton, became her husband last September.

Throughout her career, Trigg has spoken out against reductions in benefits such as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, emphasizing the importance of adequate support for disabled people. She has highlighted the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in arts and media, calling for more inclusive representation.

Reflecting on her journey, Trigg acknowledges both the difficulties and the triumphs of living with a disability. She describes her life as “a sh*t and wonderful life,” borrowing a phrase from her first play, but also affirms that she would not change her path. With her husband, she shares a commitment to embracing their experiences, symbolized by an inscription from The Little Big Things engraved on their wedding rings.