Casting Announcement–Benjamin Gipson as “Liam Jacobs”

By L. Tanner Smith (director/co-writer/producer)

We’re very happy and excited to announce that Benjamin Gipson will be joining the cast of Millennial With a Cane!

Benjamin will be playing the role of Liam Jacobs, a budding playwright who becomes one of Delilah’s new best friends. He’s friendly, funny, and highly optimistic. He also has primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), which causes him to use a wheelchair for ambulatory purposes–and not even that gets him down.

How would I simplify this character? In describing him, I would start with, “If Lloyd Dobler from ‘Say Anything’ was in a wheelchair, he’d be Liam Jacobs.”

Ben’s interview:

1. What first drew you to this project (and/or the role of Liam)?

For me, knowing everything you will be doing, it is inspiring to be asked to help share in the story and lives of people who live with MS and to do it in a way that just faces its realities. The role of Liam is almost as if you wrote about me if I had MS. I couldn’t stop laughing as I was reading the script, because I’m like, “Oh yep, I’d definitely say that/act like that!”

2. Why do you want to participate in this film?

When asked to participate in this film, I spent a lot of time asking myself, “Would I be able to dedicate the time?” But I realized I was asking a selfish question. So instead I started to ask myself, “Do I want to partner in this dream becoming a reality?” And after many meetings with you and praying over things, I knew that this was a dream that I want to help you make into a beautiful reality.

3. Who do you think MWAC will speak to? Why should people be interested in it?

MWAC will speak to everyone; it will be a breath of “YESSS EXACTLY” from those who have MS; it will be a “oh wow, I didn’t know that” from those who don’t; but ultimately it will be a coming together of both sides as they learn to walk (or hobble or roll) life in a more understanding way with the bastard MS.

Keep up with more MWAC announcements by following us on our blog and on Facebook! Donations are still accepted here on our GoFundMe page!