Sunshine Coast boy lives acting dream while breaking down barriers

Eddy is using the spotlight to break down barriers surrounding deformities in the acting world, after being left confused by a star-studded Hollywood film.

Edward Meskanen hopes to break down stigmas in the acting world to pursue his dream.

FOLLOW the cheerful voice singing through the walls of his family home and you'll always find Edward "Eddy" Meskanen.

The eight-year-old Sunshine Coast boy has a unique zest for life that his mum Anna said puts him in the spotlight wherever he goes.

Eddy is using this spotlight to his advantage by breaking down barriers surrounding deformities in the acting world, and his own facial deformity, Goldenhar Syndrome.

The craniofacial syndrome affects the bones in Eddy's face, leaving him deaf in his left ear and with a number of clefts.

It's because of these unique differences that Eddy was pioneering for change in the movie industry, believing 'every face deserves a place' on the screen.

Edward Meskanen hopes to break down stigmas in the acting world to pursue his dream.

The budding actor was spurred to start this movement after watching film Wonder and learning the main character wore a mask to create the illusion he had similar deformities to Eddy.

"Instead of being inspired by the film, Eddy was really confused and upset as to why a person like him wasn't chosen," Anna said.

"Now he just wants to break down that barrier and open doors for people with any kind of differences, because they matter."

Eddy looked up to some famous faces with similar deformities, including Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo.

Acute Misfortune actors Linda (Eddy's screen mum), Tom Wright (director), Eddy, Dan Henshall (Adam Cullen) and Toby Wallace ( Erik Jensen).

The "outgoing" boy leaped into his first acting role this year in Acute Misfortune, and was immediately hooked.

Anna and Eddy hoped negative connotations surrounding deformities would shed if they were depicted on the silver screen.

Edward Meskanen hopes to break down stigmas in the acting world to pursue his dream.

"I had never heard of the syndrome until my son was born," Anna said.

"There are so many negative perceptions injected into people's brain surrounding facial deformities.

"But learning that we all have differences is the only way to knock these down."

Through Eddy's acting, his ultimate goal was to encourage other kids to pursue their dreams.

Edward Meskanen hopes to break down stigmas in the acting world to pursue his dream.

The massive Doctor Who fan hoped to one day be the first child to play 'The Doctor'.

"He always dresses up in bow ties, and why not regenerate the character into a child?," Anna said.

"We have a lot of work to do in changing people's perceptions, but it's just the beginning."

Anna has recently started a Sunshine Coast Facial Difference Community Facebook page for families to connect and support.

BOOK EDDY:

• Visit his website, here.
• Contact Faye Rolph Academy.