California Governor and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Arnold Schwarzneggar and Vincent Martella (Photo courtesy of VIN Man Enterprises, Inc.)

By refusing a part, a Hollywood actor does his part to change attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities

A co-star of CW Television Network's "Everybody Hates Chris" recently made a huge statement in Hollywood - by refusing to say a single word.

Two weeks ago, Vincent Martella was asked to audition for a role in which his character would have to say the "R" word: retarded. Without thinking twice, Martella turned down the part.

"When I proofread the script before I went to the audition, I saw that word and right away I knew that it wouldn't feel right to me to play a part like that," says Martella.

That's because Martella, 14, feels strongly about people with intellectual disabilities. Not only is he a Special Olympics National Youth Ambassador, but last summer, he participated in the National Youth Summit, held at the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa.

Vincent Martella (dark shirt) with Special Olympics Southern California athletes at Pier del Sol 2006 in Santa Monica, California (USA). (Photo courtesy of VIN Man Enterprises, Inc.)

At that event, 20 youth with and without intellectual disabilities debated significant issues, including the need to educate others about the ramifications of the "R" word. Via a live video feed, Martella piped in and pointed out that - just like the character he portrays on "Everybody Hates Chris," "Everybody's different, and we all have to learn to accept each other just the way we are."

In his everyday interactions with others, Martella says he doesn't hesitate to correct someone if he hears them use the "R" word.

"Sometimes they'll ask, 'What's the problem, because I don't actually mean it,'" he says. "I'll tell them that it's offensive and it's one of those words you should learn not to use - because it's a hurtful thing to say and it does affect other people."

In fact, Martella says, "There's really no use for the word, and even the dictionary, it has nothing to do with intellectually disabled people."

If more people spoke up on this subject, he says, more people would stop and think before using the word. Hooray for Hollywood for the part the film industry has played in opening eyes and altering attitudes. Martella refers to the Farrelly Brothers' film, "The Ringer," starring Johnny Knoxville and Special Olympics International Board Member Eddie Barbanell.

"When I talk to people about ["The Ringer"], they tell me it changed their attitude," Martella says. "Now they catch themselves before they start to stay the 'R' word."

Martella also predicts that the upcoming film, "My Brother," starring Special Olympics International Board Member Vanessa Williams, will help create a ripple effect - not just among celebrities who think twice about the roles they accept, but also the public, who would do well to watch their words, realizing the ramifications of "labeling" anyone.

"I believe that the world needs somebody to tell them that it just isn't right to say that word," he says. "And all it takes is a little bit of knowledge and caring for somebody to speak up."

As for the statement he made in refusing to audition, Martella says many actors refuse to read for roles based on personal principles. "This was just a personal reason of mine and they were fine with it," he says, referring to his agents and the casting director. "It was just a simple, 'I'm not gonna say it, so I'd rather not even bother.'"

When the movie is released, Martella says he'd be delighted if the "R" word is no longer in the script. "I'll be very happy if that day comes," he says. "Knowing that word is offensive and should not be used, well, that would be a day where I believe that Special Olympics has made an impact, I've made a bit of an impact, and everybody that doesn't use the word will make an impact."

Martella doesn't just speak his mind about people with intellectual disabilities. He helps raise funds to advance the mission of Special Olympics. Just last fall, Martella and other celebrities helped raise more than US$500,000 for Special Olympics Southern California at the Pier del Sol 2006, held at Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. Martella says that not only was it fun to interact with hundreds of Special Olympics athletes and supporters at the event, but he also got to "hang out" with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver.

Martella, who has recently released his first album on iTunes, encourages everyone to "keep watching the show" ("Everybody Hates Chris"), and to check him out at www.vincentmartella.com.