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Arts & Entertainment

Local Actress With Polio Landing Parts in Hollywood

Temecula-based actress' disability not stopping her from a successful acting career.

Local actress Lisa Zion isn't letting her disability stop her from nabbing acting gigs in Hollywood alongside of some of the film industries big-time talent.

"I just finished working on a film with Mark Ruffalo and Orlando Bloom,” said Zion, who suffers from polio. "It was a faith-healing scene and the part called for disabled actors, and I was chosen to act in the scene," she added.

Zion was only 9 months old when she contracted the polio virus. Her parents told her they got worried when she came down with a high fever and was unable to walk. 

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"They knew something was wrong and rushed me to the hospital, where doctors confirmed I had indeed contracted polio," she explained.

That didn't stop Zion from leading a normal childhood. She is one of eight brothers and sisters. 

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"I couldn't do all of the things they could do, like ride a bike or roller-skate, so I learned right away that my physical limitations were not what they were experiencing. It helped me learn to compete and try to keep up," Zion said.

Growing up, Zion spent a great deal of time listening to the radio, singing and dancing. "I loved to entertain my family," she said.

Zion acted in grade school, high school and community theater along with taking acting classes in college.

Her condition gave her determination, said Gail Marks, her agent for the last three years. "I have so much respect for Lisa. Nothing stops her or gets in her way," she said. "She never misses an opportunity to audition. I love having her as a client and have watched her grow over the past three years as an actress."

In the last few years, Zion became known as an advocate for disabled actors, said Vince Staskel, a producer and friend of Zion. "I found out about Lisa after reading an article she wrote," he said. "She is going to be the featured guest on a radio show I produce called Disabled Radio later this month."

Zion has acted at the Old Town Temecula  Community Theater in one of the lead roles in Real Women Have Curves and also performed in The Vagina Monologues.

“Being on the stage here in Temecula is one of my favorite acting experiences,” Zion said.  “I love this theater.  The dressing rooms in the theater are absolutely gorgeous."

In addition to her passion for acting Zion also has her sights set on producing films. "I'd like to produce films including a documentary," she said.

Zion recently filmed a national commercial but due to a confidentiality clause can’t say what product it was for until the commercial airs.

Up next for Zion is filming scenes for an indie film titled ‘Attack of the 30 Foot Chola’ which she will be filming this month.  She is also filming a scene for the movie ‘White T.'  Snoop Doggie Dogg is rumored to be attached to the latter.

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