Josh Sundquist has used what many would consider a disability to his advantage for years now, inspiring many and showing that creativity knows no barriers at Halloween.
Sundquist is a downhill skier, performing comedian, published author, and motivational speaker for most of the year, but he might be best known for his many costume choices over the years — possibly besting himself in 2018.
Not only is it a fine tribute to the late Robin Williams and the upcoming live-action Aladdin adaption from Disney, but it is also another reminder of Sundquist’s inspirational story.
The Genie’s Lamp
Sundquist unveiled the team behind his latest costume on Halloween itself, sorta giving us the Heidi Klum treatment and showing the folks who helped him make the Genie a reality for 2018. He told People why this costume has a special meaning to him:
“When I was a child, I wanted to be a Disney animator when I grew up. At age nine I lost my leg to cancer,” Sundquist said. “A few weeks later I got a letter from an animator at Walt Disney who happened to be a double amputee. His name was Broose Johnson. Make-A-Wish later gave me the chance to meet him.” Johnson was one of the animators behind some of the most iconic Disney’s characters, such as Sebastian the Crab from The Little Mermaid, Simba from The Lion King, and Tuke the moose from Brother Bear.
“The letter Broose sent me as a child had a drawing of Genie, which was one of the characters he animated. So this year I wanted to dress as Genie as a tribute to Broose, to Make-A-Wish, and, of course, to Robin Williams.”
An Inspiring Story
Sundquist’s story should inspire many people not to let their handicaps hold them back. He lost his leg at nine years old due to cancer but has done his best to make the most of the situation.
He recently shared this image that keeps popping up online, showing a transformation he went through — complete with a very dour before image.
2018 Raising The Bar
The Genie is clearly taking his Halloween efforts to a new level, but he’s never been without creativity in the years that have preceded.
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Flamingo, 2013
Flamingos are fun animals, interesting to look at, classy when they’re strategically placed in your yard. Lots to love here.
‘A Christmas Story’ Leg Lamp, 2013
This has been done by other amputees and folks missing limbs, but it never really stops being interesting. Plus it is a reminder that the Christmas season is coming, so we can either prepare to ignore everything and put up with your family or just embrace it all.
Used Gingerbread Man, 2010
Christmas reminder once again, but also a reminder that you need to put gingerbread men out of their misery. This fella is happy, sure…but the reality is grim.
Lumière From ‘Beauty And The Beast,’ 2016
Much like The Genie, this one preceded the release of the live-action Beauty And The Beast remake and is really a remarkable costume.
And yes, it is still better than the version from the remake.
Tigger, 2017
Ths Tigger might be the best costume he’s done. It gives the character the type of spirit it needs in costume form. Just walking around as Tigger without the bounce won’t cut it in the future.
Not Exactly Halloween, But An Excuse To Dress Up
And while this isn’t from Halloween, it is a reminder to every Dairy Queen worker out there. Turn that Blizzard over and prove yourself to those customers!
What’s Next?
So what will Sundquist bring to the table next year? He’s got a full year to figure it out, and there will be plenty watching with anticipation.
