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- 8 Reasons We Love Kayla Cromer (Besides the Fact That She's Cooler Than Cool)
8 Reasons We Love Kayla Cromer (Besides the Fact That She's Cooler Than Cool)
by
emily weaver
Getty / Matt Winkelmeyer
As the first TV actor on the autism spectrum to have a leading role as a character on the autism spectrum, Kayla Cromer is bringing a new level of rawness and authenticity to Everything’s Gonna Be Okay. Freeform’s newest comedy series follows teenage sisters Matilda (Cromer) and Genevieve (Maeve Press), who are trying to maneuver through life’s obstacles after the death of their father, along with the help of their half-brother Nicholas (Please Like Me‘s Josh Thomas). With her eyes set on starring in a Marvel movie, Kayla’s vulnerability and mission to embrace who she is are an inspiration. Here are a few reasons we’ve quickly fallen for her – and think you will, too.
Getty / Jim Spellman
She's the First Actor on the Autism Spectrum to Play a Leading TV Character on the Spectrum
Kayla Cromer is breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry, as the first actor on the autism spectrum to be playing a leading character also on the spectrum. Her goal is to break the stigmas surrounding artists with disabilities in the acting world. She even hinted at hoping to win an Emmy!
Getty / Taylor Hill
Her Grandmother's Funeral Gave a Different Perspective For the Pilot of Everything's Gonna Be Okay
In an interview with Mashable, Kayla shared that her grandmother Shirley was like another parent to her. “My parents were trying to afford a private school education in special ed,” she said. “So, she would babysit me all day and night while they worked.” Kayla read the eulogy at her grandmother’s funeral and said because of that experience, she was able to bring different aspects into the pilot of Everything’s Gonna Be Okay where her character has to read the eulogy for her late father.
Getty / Amy Sussman
She Hopes Everything Is Gonna Be Okay Teaches Viewers to Consider the Future
Kayla also recently opened up about her own obstacles with autism and preparing for the next life cycle: preteen, teenager, young adult, adult. She explained for those on the autism spectrum, it can be a lot of prep with things like bank cards, paychecks, or finances. She herself is still coming to understand taxes.
Getty / Jon Kopaloff
She's Only Dated Neurotypical Men
A common misconception is that people on the autism spectrum are only capable of dating other people on the spectrum, Kayla shared in an interview. She hopes that in the progression of Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, her character Matilda can illustrate dating neurotypical people may take time but it’s just as normal.