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Chicago actor Michael Patrick Thornton was told he would never walk again after suffering a stroke 13 years ago.

But he's defying the odds -- and taking center stage -- with help from a robotic costar.

His exoskeleton suit from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago has helped him walk again.

After months of training, he brought the suit to The Steppenwolf Theater for his lead role in Shakespeare’s Richard the III.

It was the first time ever that an exoskeleton -- a relatively new technology -- was used in a theatrical performance.

Michael Patrick Thornton is one of Chicago’s Very Own.

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