Warning: This article contains spoilers for Ordinary Angels.
Ordinary Angels tells the story of the Schmitt family and how Sharon Stevens comes to their aid, although it takes some creative liberties to enhance the emotional impact of the story. The movie, starring Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson, follows a hairdresser who assists a widowed father in saving his daughter's life when a snowstorm hinders him from getting her a liver transplant. Despite its straightforward storytelling, Ordinary Angels keeps viewers engaged with its uplifting message about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.
Theresa Schmitt Died At The Age Of 29
Theresa Schmitt's tragic death at the young age of 29 serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility.
Ordinary Angels alters Theresa Schmitt's age at the time of death
In the movie Ordinary Angels, the character Theresa Schmitt is portrayed as dying from Wegener's disease at the age of 35. However, in reality, Theresa was only 29 years old when she passed away in August 1992.
Michelle Schmitt Was Much Younger When The Film's Events Happened
Michelle Schmitt was not 5 when she got the liver transplant
Rose is a fictional character in the film Ordinary Angels.
Rose is a Fictional Character, Not Based on a Real Person
Rose, portrayed by Tamala Jones, is depicted as a friend of Sharon Stevens who co-manages the beauty salon with her. In the movie Ordinary Angels, Rose plays a crucial role in supporting Sharon and preventing her from falling back into her alcohol addiction. Despite being a significant secondary character, Rose is not inspired by any real-life individual. She was solely created to enrich the plot and add depth to the character interactions in the film.
Stevens Seeked Help For the Schmitts Through A Radio Station
Stevens used a media channel to reach out to the people in the community
Louisville's Residents Came Together to Clear Snow During the Day
Ordinary Angels Captures Local Support for the Schmitt Family
Ordinary Angels accurately depicts the support of Louisiana locals for the Schmitt family. Upon receiving the family's call for help, the community worked tirelessly through the night. They shoveled snow non-stop to ensure Michelle could receive her treatment on time. Although hundreds of Louisville residents did come together to assist the young girl, they cleared the snow during the day instead of at night.
Sharon Stevens Was Not An Alcoholic
Sharon Stevens' alcoholism is a major creative liberty in Ordinary Angels
Michelle Schmitt Received The Liver Of A 7-Year-Old Boy
Michelle Schmitt received the liver of a 7-year-old boy.
Donor's Identity Kept Confidential
A liver transplant recipient named Michelle Schmitt was given a new chance at life thanks to a 7-year-old boy who tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm. The donor, Brian Friesen, remained anonymous throughout the process, with his parents eventually meeting the Schmitt family after the successful surgery. The two families formed a special bond following the life-saving donation.
Michelle Schmitt Underwent Kidney Transplant Surgery In 2011
Both Michelle and her sister faced other health-related challenges after the movie's events
Paragraph: After undergoing liver and kidney transplants, Michelle and her sister had to undergo regular health check-ups and take medications daily. Unfortunately, the strain on their kidney health led them to both receive kidney transplants in 2011. Michelle's donor this time was her best friend, Crystal. In the following years, Michelle got married and began working at the University of Louisville.
Heading: Michelle Schmitt's Passing in May 2021
Michelle Schmitt died in 2021 but her story inspires change
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
Michelle Schmitt passed away from a stomach aneurysm at the age of 31. She knew about the film Ordinary Angels, which started filming in 2021. According to her sister (via The Lane Report), Michelle would have been happy to know that the movie could potentially save lives by raising awareness about organ donation. Ashley Schmitt mentioned that Michelle would have felt honored by the movie and the awareness it will bring to her story.
Editor's P/S:
The article on Ordinary Angels, while highlighting the uplifting message and emotional impact of the film, also sheds light on the creative liberties taken to enhance its narrative. It is understandable that filmmakers may alter certain details to heighten the drama and emotional connection with the audience. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the true story behind the film and recognize the real-life individuals whose experiences inspired it.
The article exposes the discrepancies between the movie and the actual events, such as the age of Theresa Schmitt at the time of her death, the fictional character of Rose, and the timing of community support for the Schmitt family. While these changes may have been made with good intentions, it is important to maintain a balance between artistic interpretation and factual accuracy, especially when portraying real-life events. By acknowledging the differences between the film and the true story, we can honor the memory of those involved and ensure that their legacy lives on accurately.