For Atticus Shaffer, growing up with a condition that left him vulnerable to painful bone fractures came with challenges most children never have to face. But the actor, best known for playing Brick Heck on ABC’s hit sitcom The Middle, says those difficult experiences helped him develop a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of other people’s struggles.
Shaffer was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that makes bones unusually fragile and more likely to break. Over the years, he has endured numerous fractures, surgeries and periods of intense pain. What could have left him bitter about his circumstances instead became a major part of how he came to understand his faith.
Although he grew up in a Christian household, Shaffer explained that having religious parents did not automatically mean he had developed a personal relationship with God. His mother allowed him the freedom to make that decision for himself rather than forcing her beliefs on him.
That changed when he was 15. Shaffer said he reached a point where he wanted to understand his faith for himself and know exactly where he stood with God.
“I really committed to Christianity when I was 15,” he recalled. “I just knew I had that draw to say, ‘I need to know the Lord. I need to know where I stand. I need to pick a side.'”
His decision eventually led to his baptism in 2015. For Shaffer, it was more than a religious ceremony. It marked a personal commitment that became increasingly important as he continued dealing with the physical challenges associated with his condition.
He has spoken about how much pain he has experienced throughout his life, including numerous fractures and operations involving plates, screws and rods in his legs. He also revealed that his back developed an S-shaped curve. These were not minor medical setbacks, and the experience of repeatedly facing pain made him more aware of how much he needed support beyond his own physical strength.
Shaffer believes those experiences changed the way he looks at other people. Having lived with pain himself, he says he has become more sensitive to what others might be going through, even when their struggles are not immediately obvious.
“It’s helped me to be more empathetic and be more compassionate,” he said. He explained that difficult circumstances can put people in situations where they have little choice but to depend on God.
His Christian beliefs also influenced his experience working in Hollywood. During his years on The Middle, Shaffer was open about his faith, although he made it clear that he was not interested in forcing his beliefs on anyone. He believed in standing by his convictions while treating people around him with respect.
Interestingly, his openness encouraged other members of the show’s crew to speak about their own religious beliefs. Some had not felt comfortable discussing their faith before, but seeing Shaffer stand by his convictions gave them an opportunity to speak more freely.
He acknowledged that being a Christian in the entertainment industry was not always easy. Some people treated him differently after learning about his beliefs, something he described as a real challenge of working in secular television.
Still, he found support among fellow Christians who understood what he was experiencing. Rather than keeping their struggles to themselves, they began encouraging one another and building friendships around their shared beliefs.
“We became a community and prayed for each other, vented to each other and were there for each other whatever it may be,” Shaffer said.
His experience on the show also left him with a strong appreciation for the cast and crew. He credited the people behind The Middle for maintaining a moral foundation throughout its nine-season run, with many storylines drawn from real-life experiences.
Today, Shaffer’s account offers a look at the personal experiences behind the actor audiences came to know as Brick Heck. His medical struggles have been difficult, but he believes they have taught him compassion, strengthened his faith and helped him build meaningful relationships with people who share his convictions. His message is simple: even when life brings challenges that cannot easily be changed, faith and the support of others can make a lasting difference.