Wildfire signs memoir from actor and Down Syndrome campaigner Jessop

Wildfire has signed A Life Worth Living, a memoir by actor and Down Syndrome campaigner Tommy Jessop, written with his mother Jane Jessop. 

Publishing director Alex Clarke acquired world rights from Kate Plumpton at Conway van Gelder Grant. The memoir will be published in summer 2023. 

“This book is something to celebrate in showing that doors can be opened and stay open. We might be different, but we are all on a mission to live life to the fullest,” said Plumpton. 

Jessop co-founded the Blue Apple Theatre company where he played Hamlet alongside other fellow actors with disabilities. He has subsequently starred in films and television programs such as “Line of Duty” and “Coming Down the Mountain”. As well as his acting credits, Jessop has been at the centre of campaigning for the passing of the Down Syndrome Act in Parliament – a law that aims to ensure suitable support and rights provisions for those with Down Syndrome.  

In his memoir, A Life Worth Living, Jessop will tell his story, his journey into acting and campaigning, showing “his unstoppable determination, charisma and love for life”.

Clarke said: “Tommy is a force of nature – his energy, his determination, his wicked sense of humour and his passion for helping others will be an inspiration to readers. His mission for A Life Worth Living is to show that living with Down Syndrome is no different to being anyone else. This is a book that will touch hearts and minds and will hopefully change perceptions at the same time.”

Jessop commented: “I am writing this book because I’m a man on a mission to show that life with Down Syndrome can be exciting and is worth living so that other people understand and give us the chance to live life to the full and to be fulfilled. I will take readers on to film sets and behind the scenes, into my campaigns and public speaking, and share some emotional moments.”  

Jane Jessop added: “Tommy’s life so far has been a completely extraordinary journey, full of joy, discovery and, at times, incredulity, watching him defy a pessimistic prognosis, break down barriers, and create ground-breaking opportunities for himself and others while attracting so much interest in his work, his opinions and his achievements from the media and other families.”