If you’ve spent any time on Netflix in the last few years, you’ve probably seen Lily D. Moore. You know, the sassy sister on Never Have I Ever who basically stole every scene she was in? Yeah, that’s her. But honestly, looking at Lily D Moore movies and TV shows is about way more than just counting up credits on an IMDb page. It’s about a massive shift in how Hollywood treats actors with disabilities.
For a long time, characters with Down syndrome were relegated to "inspirational" background roles. They were there to make the lead character look like a better person. Lily isn't about that. She plays characters with agency, attitude, and actual romantic lives. It's refreshing, frankly.
The Paxton Hall-Yoshida Factor: Never Have I Ever
Let’s talk about Rebecca Hall-Yoshida. Most people recognize Lily from this specific role. She played the adopted sister of the school heartthrob, Paxton. What made this work so well wasn't that she had Down syndrome—it was that she was a total powerhouse. She was a fashion designer. She was sarcastic. She called Paxton out on his nonsense when no one else would.
Working with Mindy Kaling and the crew on that set really put Lily on the map. It ran from 2020 to 2023, and it was a rare case where a disability wasn't the "plot point." It was just part of who she was. You’ve probably seen the scenes where she’s designing clothes; that wasn't just for the cameras. Lily actually has a huge interest in fashion in real life, which made the character feel authentic.
Breaking the Hallmark Mold: Color My World with Love
In 2022, Lily did something pretty historic. She starred in the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film Color My World with Love. This wasn't just another supporting gig. She was the lead.
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She played Kendall, an artist who falls in love with a guy named Brad (played by David DeSanctis). The movie deals with the very real, very messy anxieties that parents face when their children with disabilities want to get married and live independently. It’s a tear-jerker, sure, but it’s also a big deal because it centered on a romantic lead with Down syndrome. That literally almost never happens in mainstream TV movies.
Kendall was feisty and independent. She wasn't asking for permission to live her life.
Beyond the Big Hits: A Career of "Firsts"
If you dig a little deeper into Lily D Moore movies and TV shows, you’ll find she’s been working way longer than you might think. She’s been in everything from procedural dramas to weird comedies.
- Sleepy Hollow (FOX): She had a guest spot here early on.
- The Gifted: Another one of those "blink and you'll miss it" but important credits in the Marvel universe.
- Single Drunk Female: She popped up in this Freeform comedy, showing she can handle the "messy adult" genre too.
- Teenage Euthanasia: Yes, she even does voice acting for Adult Swim. It shows she’s not afraid of edgy or weird humor.
She also appeared in the PBS series Hope Givers, which actually got some Emmy buzz. It’s a series focused on mental health and resilience, and Lily’s involvement was a natural fit given her advocacy work.
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Why Her Role in "The Other" (2025) Matters
Most recently, Lily took a turn into more dramatic territory with the 2025 film The Other. She plays Fiona, and without giving too many spoilers, it’s a much more grounded, gritty look at family dynamics. It’s been cool to watch her transition from the "sassy teen" roles into more mature, complex characters as she’s grown up.
Honestly, the industry is still catching up to her.
The "Oscar Dream" and What’s Next
Lily has been very vocal about her goal: she wants to be the first actor with Down syndrome to win an Academy Award. And why not? She’s already checking off boxes that people said were impossible ten years ago.
She’s recently been balancing her acting career with her studies at Clemson University. She’s part of their LIFE program, which focuses on independence and career skills. It’s sort of a "life imitating art" situation, as her character in Color My World with Love was chasing that same independence.
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What You Should Watch First
If you're looking to dive into her filmography, don't just random-search. Start here:
- Never Have I Ever (Seasons 1-4): Start here for the vibes and the fashion.
- Color My World with Love: Watch this if you want to see her carry an entire film as the romantic lead.
- Found (NBC): She guest-starred as Diane Powell, and it’s a good example of her working in a high-stakes drama.
Lily D. Moore isn't just an actress who happens to have a disability. She’s a professional who is consistently booked because she’s good at what she does. Whether she's modeling for TJ Maxx or staring down a camera for a Netflix original, she brings a specific kind of energy that’s hard to replicate.
Keep an eye on the credits for upcoming indie films in late 2026. Rumor is she’s looking into more producer roles now, too. She’s basically telling the industry that she isn't just there to be cast—she's there to create.
Actionable Insight: If you're a filmmaker or a fan of inclusive media, the best way to support actors like Lily is to actually watch the projects where they have lead roles, like Color My World with Love. High viewership numbers for these specific titles tell networks that audiences want to see diverse leads, which directly leads to more casting opportunities for actors with disabilities.