Who played the dad in life goes on?
Daniel Martin
Published Jan 09, 2026
Bill Smitrovich is best known for playing the doting dad and coach, Drew Thatcher -- opposite his on-screen son, Corky, played by Chris Burke -- on the '90s family drama, "Life Goes On." Guess what he looks like now!
What does Chris Burke do now?
Burke continued to work in TV with appearances in Promised Land, Touched by an Angel, The Division and ER. His most recent work was playing a custodian in the film Mona Lisa Smile in 2003. He's currently the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society.Why did Monique Lanier leave Life Goes On?
Monique Lanier (Paige Thatcher 1989-1990)Lanier would leave the show after the first season, as her daughter was born premature, and was replaced in the series by actress Tracey Needham.
Does Chris Burke have Down syndrome?
Like the character he plays on ABC's "Life Goes On," one of the season's most praised new series, Chris Burke was born with Down syndrome ("just a mild case of it," he insists) and has struggled with the mental retardation that accompanies it.Who played Becca's boyfriend on Life Goes On?
In the last two seasons, Becca's boyfriend Jesse McKenna was played by Chad Lowe.LIFE GOES ON 1989 Cast Then and Now 2022 How They Changed
What happened to Corky from Life Goes On?
Chris BurkeFollowing his pioneering turn as son Corky, Chris turned up on a few more shows, including Touched By an Angel. Per IMDb, he also has credits in Promised Land, ER, The Division and his latest in 2003's Mona Lisa Smile.
Why did Tyler leave life goes on?
Tyler became a less prominent figure in Becca's life and was jealous of Becca's closeness with Jesse. The character of Tyler was soon written out of the show; he was given the memorable sendoff of dying in a car accident with Corky as a passenger.What causes Down syndrome?
Causes and Risk FactorsThe extra chromosome 21 leads to the physical features and developmental challenges that can occur among people with Down syndrome. Researchers know that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome, but no one knows for sure why Down syndrome occurs or how many different factors play a role.