Key Points
- Comedian Chris McCausland reflects on how blindness has shaped his marriage and family life in his memoir Keep Smiling.
- McCausland discusses the emotional toll on his wife, Patricia, and the adjustments required in their relationship.
- He shares candid stories about the challenges of fatherhood as a blind parent.
- The comedian lost his sight at 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa.
- McCausland spoke about the memoir during an appearance on Sunday Brunch.
A Personal Look Into Life Beyond the Stage
Comedian and television personality Chris McCausland is offering an intimate look at his family life and the realities of living with blindness in his new memoir, Keep Smiling. Appearing on Sunday Brunch, McCausland reflected on the ways his visual impairment has shaped his marriage to his wife, Patricia, and his role as a father.
McCausland, who won a major dance competition last year, has been married for more than a decade. He and Patricia live in London with their 11‑year‑old daughter, Sophie.
Marriage Shaped by Blindness
McCausland lost his sight at 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition that gradually deteriorates vision. In the memoir, he writes about the emotional weight this has placed on his relationship, acknowledging that Patricia has had to let go of certain expectations tied to a “typical” married life.
One of the most personal reflections involves everyday moments many couples take for granted. McCausland shared the sadness he feels when he cannot answer simple questions about Patricia’s appearance—whether her hair looks right or if her outfit matches.
He often turns to humor, joking, “I don’t know, sweetheart. Things do tend to feel bigger than they look.” Over time, Patricia stopped asking, knowing he couldn’t give the reassurance she hoped for.
Navigating Fatherhood With Limitations
McCausland also opens up about the challenges of parenting as a blind father. He recalled a difficult period when Sophie was a toddler—mobile, quiet, and hard for him to track or engage with.
Now that she is older and more vocal, some aspects of fatherhood have become easier. Still, McCausland admits he struggles with tasks like helping her read or write, and he worries about her classmates surpassing him in skills such as handwriting.
These moments, he says, highlight the unique and often overlooked realities of parenting with a disability.
A Story of Love, Humor, and Resilience
Through Keep Smiling, McCausland offers a heartfelt portrait of family life shaped by both challenge and deep affection. His honesty underscores the complexities of living with visual impairment while celebrating the strength and humor that carry his family forward.
What Happens Next
With the memoir now reaching readers, McCausland continues to use his platform to raise awareness about disability, representation, and the everyday experiences of blind parents and partners. His story is expected to spark broader conversations about accessibility, empathy, and the unseen realities behind public figures’ lives.
