Exclusive! Greg Cohen talks Heroes for Autism
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By the end of 2008, Greg Cohen, camera assistant on NBC’s Heroes, photographer, and curator, felt invincible, like he could take on anything. He had just produced his own wedding and he had witnessed America come together and make the proclamation of “Yes we can!” by electing President Barack Obama. The next question to Cohen was what should he, a man who was now gifted with the ability to do anything and not fail, do?
Cohen focused his attention on a condition that is close to his own heart: autism. His best friend’s two sons both have the condition. Cohen did not realize what an epidemic it is, though. “There are more cases of autism than pediatric cancer, AIDS, and diabetes combined,” Cohen says. “1 in every 150 children will be diagnosed with autism by the time he or she turns three. 1 in every 94 boys is autistic.” Cohen immediately knew how he wanted to help: he would hold a benefit where he would showcase photography. And thus the April 19th event, Heroes for Autism, at the Avalon, began to take form. After setting things up with Autism Speaks, Cohen decided to broaden his vision and turned to his coworkers at Heroes. The positive response to his idea was overwhelming; everyone wanted to help. Cohen, unknowingly, had hit on something that connected many of them: eighteen of his fellow co-workers had a family member who has autism.
From the time he shared his idea with his fellow co-workers, things started snowballing. “I went to Greg Grunberg [drummer for the all-celebrity charity band Band from TV] and it was a match.” Grunberg agreed to have his band play at the benefit. Joining Band from TV is the musical duo behind the music of Heroes, Wendy and Lisa. “They got their band together and are bringing some surprise guests,” Cohen says enthusiastically. “Some pretty amazing, high-profile people. It’ll be a great show.”In addition to the music, Cohen has compiled a collection of art and photography to be displayed and then auctioned at the event. There will be roughly eighty pieces from almost twenty-five different artists. Almost half of these artists work on Heroes. Cohen is especially excited to be working with photographer and actor Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine again. Mwine plays the character Usutu in Heroes’s third season. Cohen showed Mwine’s work last year in a photography show in LA and wanted Mwine to be a part of this show. “He is a really talented artist,” Cohen says. Mwine is not the only actor-turned-photographer in this show: regular cast members Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia will be having pieces shown, too. Also from Heroes is the show’s very own artist Tim Sale. Sale will be having six pieces at the event. The other artists in this event are artists who have autism. At nine years old, Kyle White is the youngest artist in the show. White is also a child of someone who is on the staff of Heroes. “All of the artists with autism exhibiting in this event are relatively high functioning and lead lives within mainstream society,” Cohen points out, but is quick to add, “but this is not the case for most of the people who have this disorder.”
The photographs in the auction will not be the only photographs that are on display during the evening. Cohen says that there will be a wall of photography taken by some of the crew members of Heroes. These people include Wendi Allison (affectionately known as “Wendi the Makeup Lady” by pros and fans alike), Allan Arkush, and Greg Beeman. Their pictures will depict the actors and crew behind-the-scenes. Cohen calls this a “window into the Heroes family” and a great way to show fans and others some of the things they do.
Cohen says he hopes this event is not a one-time affair, but continues annually. “I see it as a jumping off point to something larger.” The most compelling thing to Cohen about this event is what is at the heart of Heroes: “as I started this, I thought of the genesis of the show: ordinary people with extraordinary abilities, trying to save the world. Collectively, there is power. I hope together we can make a small difference.” Cohen gives special emphasis to the help he receives from Allan Arkush and Dennis Hammer in bringing the event to life. Both Arkush and Hammer “are key components in making this happen. It is really inspiring to work with them.”
Originally, Cohen wanted this event to happen during the end of March, but he is pleased with the April 19th date. “April is Autism Awareness Month. For this month, when you purchase something from the NBC online store, you will be offered a blue puzzle piece pin at checkout. The five dollars from the cost of the pin will go to benefit Autism Speaks, thereby raising awareness.” Heroes and NBC have also arranged for Heroes for Autism to be the first event that kicks off the Heroes All Access Fanclub. Details will be announced shortly on NBC.com/Heroes.
Even if you are unable to attend the Heroes for Autism event, you can still help. Heroes for Autism is accepting donations from everywhere in the world. Any amount you can give will help. Like Cohen says, there is real power in everyone working together. Only working together can we help save the world.
Heroes for AutismWhen: Sunday, April 19, 2009
5:00 p.m. VIP Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. General Admission/Concert
Where:
The Avalon Hollywood
1735 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028
To purchase tickets and make donations
Heroes for Autism
Autism Speaks
Band From TV
Wendy and Lisa
Heroes on NBC
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