'Mare of Easttown' actress with Down syndrome hopes to expand representation in TV, film

Michele Haddon, Bucks County Courier Times
Updated ·3 min read
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Growing up, Kassie Mundhenk rarely saw faces like her own in the media — not on TV, not in movies, not in billboards or magazines.

Kassie has Down syndrome, and from a young age, she dreamed of getting into acting, modeling and pageantry. And despite the lack of representation for kids with disabilities in these industries, she was determined to turn her dreams into reality.

Kassie Mundhenk, a Kintnersville actress and model, hopes to inspire others with down syndrome to pursue their dreams. "The coolest thing about being on TV is getting to see myself doing it and show others they can do it, too," Mundhenk said.
Kassie Mundhenk, a Kintnersville actress and model, hopes to inspire others with down syndrome to pursue their dreams. "The coolest thing about being on TV is getting to see myself doing it and show others they can do it, too," Mundhenk said.

“I didn’t ever see any actors with Down syndrome on TV,” said the 21-year-old actress and model, who lives in Kintnersville and graduated from Palisades High School last year.

“I wanted to be on TV, so I can show other kids that I can do it and that they can do it.”

Best known for her role as Moira Ross in HBO’s "Mare of Easttown," Kassie got her start in acting at 15 when she landed a feature background part in Bo Burnham’s 2018 movie, Eighth Grade.

Kassie Mundhenk, a Kintnersville actress and model whose roles include playing Moira Ross in HBO's Mare of Easttown, was honored along with 18 others at a National Down Syndrome Society gala, for helping to shape public perceptions of the Down syndrome community through their roles in film and television.
Kassie Mundhenk, a Kintnersville actress and model whose roles include playing Moira Ross in HBO's Mare of Easttown, was honored along with 18 others at a National Down Syndrome Society gala, for helping to shape public perceptions of the Down syndrome community through their roles in film and television.

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Shortly after, she was offered her first paid modeling opportunity with teen clothing line brand, Justice, and went on to pick up several more modeling campaigns and background roles in movies and TV shows, including "Law & Order SVU," "Manifest," "New Amsterdam," "Spiderman Far from Home" and the upcoming short film "Presumed Incompetent."

And for the first time in her career, she’ll be co-starring in an independent film called "Birdy," which is slated to begin shooting this summer.

Helping to expand representation for people with Down syndrome

Actress and model, Kassie Mundhenk, stands inside her Kintnersville home, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, holding up the designer dress she plans to wear at an upcoming National Down Syndrome Society gala, where she will be honored among 18 others who have helped shape public perceptions of the Down syndrome community through their roles in film and television.

Thanks to her passion for acting, Kassie was honored Thursday at the annual National Down Syndrome Society gala and auction, alongside actor Chris Burke, best known for his role as Corky Thatcher in Life Goes on, and 17 others who have helped shape public perceptions of the Down syndrome community through their roles in film and television.

“I’m excited to be a part of a wonderful group of actors helping to change the beliefs of inclusion for everyone because everyone has a dream,” Kassie said.

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This year’s event, which took place at Gotham Hall in New York City, raised funds to support the Down syndrome community.

“Representation in film and television has played a significant role in shifting the perceptions of Down syndrome over the last four decades,” said NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard in a recent press release announcing the honorees. “I am so delighted to honor so many of the individuals who have contributed to this important work.”

Still an uphill climb for actors and models with disabilities

“Mare (of Easttown) was an amazing opportunity. Everywhere she’s worked, she’s been respected and treated well by everyone, which is wonderful,” said Kassie’s mom, Jeanette, who assists her daughter in obtaining auditions with the help of three casting agents.

For seven years, Kassie Mundhenk, of Kintnersville, has been acting and modeling with the ongoing support of her mom, Jeanette Mundhenk.
For seven years, Kassie Mundhenk, of Kintnersville, has been acting and modeling with the ongoing support of her mom, Jeanette Mundhenk.

But those opportunities are few and far between, she said, explaining preconceptions about people with Down syndrome and other disabilities, create significant barriers for others like her daughter, who want to pursue a career in film, television or modeling.

“The biggest challenge is getting people to see that kids with disabilities can do what others do, and they’re a part of this world. They have the same hopes and dreams,” Jeanette said.

“We have a long way to go. We’re just mildly scratching the surface, whether it’s acting or modeling, inclusion is coming very slowly across the board.”

Wanting to to see opportunities for herself and others with Down syndrome, Kassie offered this message.

“You have to believe in yourself that you can do it and never be afraid,” she said. “I’m a person first who happens to have a dash of magical. That means that you have a very special chromosome.”

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Reporter Michele Haddon covers small business, economic development, community revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: This 'Mare of Easttown' actress aims to inspire others with disabilities