Actress and activist Liz Carr faced significant challenges from a young age, but her illness and the experiences that followed helped her find her true calling.

Liz was born in April 1972 in Bebington, Merseyside. She was diagnosed with arthrogryposis at the age of seven and was using a wheelchair by the age of 14. After leaving school, she went on to study law at the University of Nottingham, where she first became seriously involved in politics, disability rights, and activism. Carr later volunteered at a law centre and campaigned for equal rights for people with disabilities both in the UK and abroad.

In 2000, she co-founded the comedy collective Nasty Girls. Three years later, she studied acting at the Graeae Theatre Company and the London Metropolitan University, after which she played in the plays Mother Courage, The Vagina Monologues, The Exception and the Rule, and other productions. In 2005, she joined the Abnormally Funny People group, in 2006 she became a finalist in the Funny Women competition, and in 2007 she took second place in the new actors competition at the Hackney Empire Theatre. In an interview, the actress admitted that one of the turning points in her life was her acquaintance with the concept of the “social model of disability”. Before that, Liz believed that her lack of independence limited her chances for a decent life. However, meeting a woman named Sue changed her view: it turned out that the problem was not in her, but in the barriers of society. That was when her activism began.

Carr admits that many stages of life for people with disabilities come later: work, relationships, and intimate experience. She had her first serious relationship only in her late twenties. Later, Liz found love with Joe, and they had a bright wedding in the style of Día de los Muertos – with mariachis, tequila, and a festive atmosphere. She recalls that in her youth, she did not even believe that she would be able to get married. In her mind, the only person who could be by her side was a doctor who would take care of her. But over time, the actress realized that a medical view of disability and low expectations of society imposed these thoughts. Today, Liz Carr is not only a successful actress and comedian but also a strong voice in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities. She admits that perhaps she does not know how to live without a fight – but this is what helps her to refute stereotypes again and again.