From: Soap Opera Weekly, December 30, 1997
Story by: Deirdre Martin
Photography by: Donn Thompson


Mitch Longley (Dr. Matt Harmon, Port Charles) is an intensely private person, "intense" being the operative word. So if you're hoping to find out whether he wears boxers or briefs, who his best bud is or the name of his most recent girlfriend, you're going to be disappointed. But if you want a glimpse of someone who's mastered the art of living life to the fullest, read on.

The 32-year-old actor doesn't give many interviews. It's not that he hates talking to the press, or that he's uncomfortable discussing that he's had to use a wheelchair since he was 18. It's just that there are lots of other things he'd rather be doing - like practicing yoga, playing guitar, swimming, writing or taking pictures.

Longley is no newcomer to daytime. Six years ago, after then-head writer Donna Swajeski saw the heart-stoppingly gorgeous print ad he did for Ralph Lauren Polo, he was tapped by Another World to play lawyer Byron Pierce. As was the case when PC debuted, much was made of the fact that Longley wasn't just playing a paraplegic - he is paraplegic, the result of a spinal cord injury suffered in a 1983 car accident. The difference this time is that he's better equipped to handle the spotlight. "The role on Another World was my first professional acting job. I was totally inexperienced and unprepared for that level of work or exposure," Longley explains. "Today, I'm much more grounded, much more able to be convincing and connected to my character's emotional reality. Maturing has allowed me to go further with my work."

Another difference is that attention is now being focused on Longley's talent rather than the way he gets around. Although the actor gets airtime (the show has dealt with Matt's ability to perform surgery by using a special wheelchair, and Matt seems to be destined for a romance with Ellen), his character doesn't yet have what would be considered a front-burner storyline. Longley isn't worried. "I anticipate that will change," he says simply, demonstrating his unwavering faith in the future. "For now, I've got no problem developing Matt and working on his relationships with the other characters." He would like to do more storylines like the one in which Matt proved he could be a competent surgeon, despite his physical disability. Storylines that are "controversial, yet educational - that challenge the preconceived notions of what someone who uses a wheelchair is able to do."

Longley knows all about dealing with preconceived notions. "One of the most challenging aspects of being an actor in a wheelchair is being taken seriously within my own industry. There's a certain naive ignorance on the part of producers and directors when it comes to what the disabled can achieve physically. It's not their fault; they just don't know any better. Once they're shown the reality, they realize how wonderfully independent we can be, and more doors will open. The way I deal with it is by living my life as honestly and with as little inhibition as possible."

For Longley, living life honestly means being a vegetarian, practicing voluntary simplicity (he's been driving the same car for 15 years and often shops for clothes at the Salvation Army), and confronting head-on the pain and anger of being injured a mere two weeks before he was due to graduate from high school. To that end, last winter he wrote, co-produced and performed in an autobiographical one-man play called Courting Darkness. He played 20 characters, including himself. "I got the title from a line by writer Morris West: One has to court doubt and darkness as the cost of knowing.' I identified with that; I felt I had to court the darkness in my own life in order to move forward. Writing the show was incredibly difficult, because it forced me to revisit some of the earlier, uncomfortable, painful realities of my life. But I had to do it. I had to go through that process. And I'm glad I did. Not only did the show provide me with a vehicle to show people in the industry what I'm capable of as a performer but it allowed me to be more honest with myself about what I went through, and subsequently, live more honestly across the board."

To cynics, the phrase "living life honestly" might sound like a New Age sound bite. But Longley is sincere. He genuinely tries to live in the moment, just as he genuinely believes that life is one big adventure. "I love being out in the world and just seeing what happens, as opposed to living a protected, two-dimensional life. I love camping out, or living in my car for days or weeks at a time and just experiencing things."

When asked how me manages to be so spontaneous and daring in a culture that seems to actively discourage such activities, he pauses and collects his thoughts before answering. "I've always wanted to be an adventurous person," he says, "and when I got injured, the chance to do that was sort of snatched from me. I spent several years focusing my attention on keeping in shape, learning how to be independent and strong. I didn't have an interest or a desire to see if I could go out there and rough it alone. I didn't trust I would be OK." Another lengthy pause. "But then people came into my life who knew I had what it took mentally, physically and spiritually to challenge myself in that way. Once they helped me realize that I could have adventures whether I was with someone or all alone, I decided to give it a shot."

One of Longley's most significant adventures came in 1992, when he traveled to Mexico twice and camped out alone for three months in various Indian nations while conducting research for SOWOHO, the non-profit organization he founded in 1990. SOWOHO, short for the Native American phrase "Spirit of the Wounded Horse," helps underprivileged disabled people, especially Native Americans. Longley spent time examining their needs, gathering information on everything from insurance coverage to transportation and physical therapy, then set about raising money to help them. A grassroots organization, SOWOHO helps one person at a time; it's clearly a project near and dear to Longley's heart. "Nonprofit work is very important to me," the actor explains. "It's an integral part of who I am, one of my ways of trying to give back to the world as a way of expressing my gratitude."

Expression is also important to Longley. In addition to acting and writing (he has written articles for a number of magazines, including Men's Health, Tennis USTA and Interview), he enjoys "screwing around" on his guitar and taking pictures. "Photography is a longtime passion of mine, one which I'm now only beginning to be able to finance. I'm working on one project that I really don't want to give details of, except to say that it's helping me continue the healing process."

Tennis is another means of expression, although an injured elbow has kept him off the court for a while now. Though Longley admits he likes to play well, he doesn't consider himself a competitive person. "Winning or losing isn't a big thing for me when it comes to tennis, or to life for that matter. Both can be wonderful teachers."

Longley has managed to achieve an equanimity and poise rare in most people. Both are qualities he consciously works to cultivate. "I've been through enough to realize that life is a growth process. So there's no need for me to try to change overnight or to kick myself in the ass if I make a mistake or try to do something before I'm ready," he says. "The goals you want to reach won't come until you're really ready for them, even if you think you're ready. There's no sense in rushing things when the world is giving you sign after sign that you should slow down. Don't quit; just understand that certain processes are going to take their sweet time whether you wish it to come sooner or not. I'm a great believer in taking a step back, re-evaluating my choices and then moving forward at a pace that keeps me sane and happy."

On his own time, Longley's pace tends to be slow and easy. "I think people would be surprised to learn how much time I need to spend alone," he muses. "I'm not saying I don't like attention. I do. But I know when enough is enough, and my fuse is running shorter every year. Maybe it's a function of getting older. I'm more content with myself."

Longley is by no means a hermit, although - among other solitary activities - he swims and practices yoga several times a week and recently began meditating. A year and a half ago, he was introduced to massage therapy, which he swears by. "If I could afford to have it done daily, I would," he says. "There's nothing that comes close to the touch of another human being when it comes to alleviating the stress and complications our bodies acquire over time." When it's pointed out that there are countless fans who would gladly give him a massage free of charge, he laughs. "I'm flattered that some viewers think I'm sexy. There are a lot worse things they could be saying! I want fans to know how grateful I am for their support, and for their understanding that my desire to be a private person in the reason I don't give them some of the things other actors do. My response to their interest can be seen in my work."

Grateful, Gratitude. Talk to Longley, and you'll hear these words over and over. A less enlightened person might wonder what any of us, battling the trials and tribulations of everyday life, have to feel grateful about. For Longley, the answer is obvious. "I'm grateful I have two good eyes and a strong, healthy mind. For being able to use my life as an example to show others that we all, even those of us who have had to face adversity, have a lot to be thankful for." His voice sounds joyful. "I'm grateful for being alive."

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