Owensboro’s own “Mr. Fantastic” Joey Newton is starting to rack up quite the collection of letters from celebrities, the latest of which is one from President Joe Biden. | Photo provided
Owensboro’s own “Mr. Fantastic” Joey Newton is starting to rack up quite the collection of letters from celebrities, the latest of which is one from President Joe Biden. Newton first sent his own letter to Biden, asking the President to increase accessibility and environments for individuals with disabilities.
A few months ago, Newton watched a show where a person sent all of their favorite celebrities a letter telling them how appreciative the person was of them. So starting in January, Newton did the same.
Newtown is part of the Day Training program at the Opportunity Center of Owensboro, where he’s known as “Mr. Fantastic.” Newton types each letter himself, and the staff help facilitate the process and ultimately get them sent out.
In April, Newton received his first major surprise when he opened a letter from one of his favorite actors, Adam Sandler.
“It was, as I always say, it was fantastic,” Newton said at the time.
He has also received a letter from Robert Eugland, famous for playing Freddy Krueger in Nightmare on Elm Street. Since then, he has continued to write to other celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and former President Barack Obama.
Regarding the letter he sent to Biden earlier this year, Newton said he was inspired to send a message about accessibility needs throughout the nation.
“I told him some ideas I had. I said we need more handicap-accessible places around the world,” Newton said.
Newton mentioned that he recently has been wanting to be more of an advocate for others.
The letter from the President reads:
“That you for sending me your kind note of support.
When I was elected President, I promised I would be President for all Americans and that I would work to deliver results for the American people. Everything we’ve achieved so far is proof of that, when we can come together as a Nation, there is nothing that we can’t accomplish. There is nothing beyond our capacity. We just have to remember who we are.
While there is more work to do, I’m more confident than ever that the soul of America is vibrant, the future of America is bright, and the promise of America is real and just beginning.”
Newton’s reaction was no surprise, as he said: “It was fantastic.”