Shining a light on Down syndrome – Keir follows his dreams to become an actor

A young actor and dancer from North Devon is bidding to end the stereotypes of Down’s syndrome with his determination to forge a career that could one day propel him to fame.

With tomorrow (Thursday, March 21) being World Down Syndrome Day, 23-year-old Keir Mills is sharing his story to raise awareness and prove that every person living with Down syndrome is a unique individual and full of potential.

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition where a baby is born with an extra chromosome, associated with delays in the child's mental and physical development.

Keir, who lives near Chulmleigh with his parents Ian and Zena Mills, has already impressed people in the industry after appearing in a fashion shoot and several high level music videos for well-known bands.

Above: North Devon’s Keir Mills is forging an acting career and proving stereotypes should never define you. Credit: Andrew Butler

He went through mainstream school and previously attended Winkleigh Primary School and Chulmleigh College, before transferring to Petroc College in Barnstaple.

He currently works part-time in a local farm shop near Winkleigh and at RHS Garden Rosemoor in Great Torrington.

Acting, music and dance has always been his passion and he is a member of the ANTS (Actors of North Tawton) Theatre Group and the Get Changed Theatre Company in Okehampton.

Above: Keir starring as a young boxer in the Skerryvore music video Eye of the Storm. Credit: Stuart Alexander/Shootback Productions

Living with Down syndrome has never held him back in his pursuit of forging an acting career. He has appeared in various amateur productions locally, but last year got his big break when he was invited to appear in a fashion photo shoot to launch a collection of clothing for renowned Glasgow fashion designer Franz Maggs.

The commercial was produced and directed by film director Stuart Alexander, who was so impressed with Keir’s acting skills he was immediately invited to star in a music video by Skerryvore, the well-known Scottish band.

The video was to promote their latest single Eye of the Storm and was released in February 2023 to great acclaim, with the band quick to hail Keir as the star of the video.

“Keir absolute nailed it,” said Stuart.

“He is so professional and takes direction really well. Some of the scenes were really challenging with poor weather and various delays, but Keir never complained once. He is an absolute star and I can’t wait to work with him again.”

Above: Keir filming another scene for the Out Like a Light music video. Credit: Stuart Alexander/Shootback Productions

Keir’s latest project cast him in the lead role of another music video, this time by Peter Martin, a Brighton-based singer-song writer. The song, Out Like a Light, is a melancholic track which portrays a certain darkness around isolation, despondency and depression.

It is a real contrast to Keir’s previous work and allowed him to showcase his acting skills. The video was shot in Blackpool and Glasgow over two separate days and included scenes from the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

It was again directed by Stuart, who has collaborated with many UK bands including Gerry Cinnamon, Del Amitri, Altered Images and Nathan Evans.

The global awareness day is keen to highlight people with Down syndrome are just the same as anyone else, with the same thoughts, feelings and potential to achieve.

Keir firmly believes he will make it as a professional actor. He said: “I love working in the café at Fiona’s Farm Shop and RHS Rosemoor. I meet lots of nice people and they are all very excited about my music videos

“However, I really want to be a professional actor, and live in London or Hollywood one day.”

Next project is another music video, with singer songwriter David Devine, who was previously lead guitarist with Calvin Harris and the Chemical Brothers.

Keir added: “I can’t wait to shoot my next video. I think it will be up in Scotland again. We are waiting for better weather as we are going to shoot the video outside.”

Keir’s dad Ian is immensely proud and said: “Everyone has very different levels of skill, knowledge and ability; exactly the same applies to children and adults with Down syndrome.

“We must avoid making assumptions and promoting a stereotype which stops people with Down syndrome fulfilling their potential.

“Stereotypes are extremely unhelpful and the WDSD2024 website has some real-life examples to highlight how hurtful and harmful such attitudes can be to people with Down syndrome.”

You can find out more about World Down Syndrome Day at www.worlddownsyndromeday.org.