Kennedy Garcia has joined the Days of our Lives cast as Felicity, a young teenager who patronizes Sweet Bits and has become a friend of its owner, Chanel.
Daytime Trailblazer
An actress, model, and motivational speaker, Garcia was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth and bravely battled Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at the age of three. Throughout the course of her young life, she’s endured multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion, yet has proven that people with disabilities can thrive and achieve their dreams.
Want to learn more about the actress? Here are seven things to know about Kennedy Garcia.
1. A native of Tennessee, Garcia was born on May 16. She received the perfect birthday gift in 2024, when her special day coincided with the announcement that she was cast on Days of our Lives.
2. Garcia began modeling for small shops when she was five, before ultimately being “discovered” by iconic doll-maker American Girl and hired as their first model with Down Syndrome. It led to campaigns with tween fashion brand Kenzie Ziegler for Justice, Claire’s jewelry company, Disney, and others. She was also a featured model in the launch of Millie Bobby Brown’s (Stranger Things) makeup line, Florence by Mills.
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3. She has a special connection to Chris Burke, an actor with Down syndrome who starred in the series Life Goes On (1989-1993). “I first met Chris when I was a baby, and he told my mom that my life would be amazing! Nineteen years later, I got to tell him he was right!” Garcia posted on Instagram along with pictures from their first “meeting” in 2005 and the second one at a gala she attended honoring Burke in 2024. “Chris was a trailblazer for actors with disabilities, paving the way for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
4. Her first love is dancing. “My mom said that when I was a toddler and dancers would come on TV, I would point and say ‘that,’” revealed Garcia during an interview with BTCF. “After I finished chemotherapy and spine fusion surgery, I started my first ballet class, and I’ve been dancing ever since.” She also appears in the music video, Sisterhood Anthem Ooh Child, which you can watch here.
5. Over the years Garcia has spoken at the Adam Morgan Foundation and numerous middle schools, high schools and colleges nationwide. She talking candidly discusses her journey with Down syndrome and shares her thoughts about being friends with people with disabilities.
6. She appeared in the Super Bowl 2023 commercial for McDonald’s. The memorable “Knowing Their Order” ad featured Cardi B and Offset. You can watch it here.
7. Garcia has many hobbies and pastimes including making Tik Tok videos, going to the movies, the beach and the mall, hanging out with friends, and going out for sushi.
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