Zach Anner

Most people are really dedicated to doing good things.

My childhood was great because my family has an amazing sense of humor, and it was just all making videos and jokes and doing skits and things.

My parents instilled in me a sense of self that I was more than just a diagnosis or a condition.

I was basically the person at Disney World that was in charge of clearing the park when it was closed... I was the guy... telling them to 'get the hell out and have a magical day.'

When I get real excited, my muscles go into spasm, so they just shake.

I'd wanted to be famous for as long as I could remember.

When I was five years old, I auditioned for the role of 'Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol.'

The only two characters I can play convincingly are myself and a dumber and sweeter version of myself.

Over the years, I learned that in my career, unlike in life, sometimes my wheelchair is its own automatic door opener. I was able to win the OWN competition by applying one simple principle: be funny, and admit you suck before anyone else can call you out on it. In other words, make the narrative of your failure a comedy.

The Internet is crazy, and I love it!

New Yorkers - the people are so honest. If you're sucking on stage, they'll let you know.

This country is pretty amazing.

For me, cerebral palsy wasn't the biggest deal, because I always had it. You know, you always work with what you got.

My stance has always been that my issue compared to everything else going on in the world is really, really small. Once you realize that, you can get a lot more out of being a part of the solution.

Over the years, I've learned that a sense of humor is the only skill that allows you to turn sucking at life into a career.

Even the most embarrassing mishap can be spun into comedic gold.

I've been a comedian, hosted travel shows, explored world religions, started improv troupes, given keynote speeches at conferences around the country, and had a milk shake named after me called the Handicappuccino.

There's no denying it: I was a crappy baby who failed his way into this world, and I've been making the best of it ever since.

I use an electric wheelchair because I have no sense of balance, and muscle spasticity has arched my spine like a cat's, while my legs are really just for show.

I've accepted that we've all got crap to deal with and problems that we're fighting not to be defined by. At the end of the day, we all want the same stuff: fulfillment, love, support, comfort, and a hot-air balloon with laser guns attached to it. The most important thing is that we appreciate the crazy ride we're on.

I'm not saying 'I have cerebral palsy, pay attention to me.' We all have problems, and we have to figure out how to live our best life.

People tend to treat people with disabilities sort of like they're aliens from another planet. It doesn't come from a bad place; it comes from a place of, 'I have no idea what this disability entails, and I don't want to offend anyone or make them feel awful.'

I don't subscribe to the idea that if you don't have the body you want, you can't be proud of the body you have. I think you can do both.

I think you can feel good about yourself at any size and any shape. Nobody should be made to feel inferior because they have a certain body type.