This year, the Invisible Disabilities Association has recognized its inspiration award recipient Wayne Brady for openly sharing his personal journey through depression to inspire others through their own dark days and encourage them with realistic and pragmatics approaches to coping. The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) taps Wayne Brady to receive its 2017 “But You LOOK Good” Inspiration Award. 

Inspiration Award Recipient Wayne Brady Stands Up for Those Dealing with Depression

Invisible Disabilities Association Co-founders Sherri and Wayne Connell, along with all the members of IDA, have expressed their gratitude to Inspiration Award recipient Wayne Brady for having the courage to share his important story publicly and to use his platform as a positive voice to give hope to others dealing with depression and similar Invisible Disabilities.

Five-time Emmy award winner and Grammy nominee, Brady is a true show business renaissance man. Actor, singer, dancer, improviser, songwriter – his lengthy career reflects it all and he recently wrapped a three-month run starring as the infamous Aaron Burr in the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning production of “Hamilton” in Chicago.

After getting his big break on first the British, then the ABC version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, Wayne Brady’s name became synonymous with off-the-cuff brilliance.  He went on to star and produce both a highly rated summer sketch show and Emmy-winning talk show for ABC. He then joined forces with Dave Chappell creating the now classic “Training Day” sketch, showing audiences both sides of his comedic skill and depth as an actor.

Amazing List of Credits for Inspiration Award Recipient Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady returned to his theatrical roots with a successful Broadway debut as Bill Flynn in “Chicago,” and a slew of television roles guest starring on “30 Rock,” “Everybody Loves Chris,” “Dirt,” as well as recurring roles on “How I Met Your Mother,” and hosted “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.” His film work includes the feature films “Crossover,” “The List,” (a romantic comedy with Sydney Tamiia Poitier), and most recently “1982” from director Tommy Oliver.

This past year he’s performed live on his sold-out world tour “Makin’ Sh*t Up,” started on the new Sci-Fi series “Aftermath,” was welcomed back to Broadway and received rave reviews starring as Lola in the Tony Award winning production of “Kinky Boots,” while lending his vocal talents to both Disney’s animated series “Sophia the First,” and Nickelodeon’s “Loud House.”

Brady will return for his 8th season as the host of CBS’s “Let’s Make a Deal,” as well as the fifth new season of “Whose Line Is it Anyway?” on the CW this year. He also has another national tour planned, a movie, and potentially creating a new television series.

Inspiration Award Recipient Wayne Brady Bravely Shares Hidden Depression Struggles

“Wayne Brady represents so many of our members,” said Wayne Connell. “On the outside he appears so happy, healthy and successful. Many would find it hard to believe he struggled with depression unless they read his story — but as we saw played out in Robin Williams tragic death, depression is often disguised in comedy. We are honored that our Inspiration Award recipient Wayne Brady is speaking out about his struggles.”

Learn more about coping with depression and other Invisible Disabilities here.