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“Rain Man” visits UW-Fond du Lac
 
He has been described as a “living Google,” with encyclopedic recall of massive facts. Kim Peek, the man who was the inspiration for the 1988 Oscar-winning movie “Rain Man,” inspired a standing room only audience
in the Prairie Theater at UW-Fond du Lac during a special lecture presentation in April 2008.
Dr. Donald Truffert
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Kim arrived with his father, Fran Peek, carrying an Oscar, a gift from “Rain Man” script writer Barry Morrow who turned the word ‘savant’ into a household term. This heavy gold statuette is shared with all those who meet the Peeks.
As audience members quizzed Kim on sports facts, dates in history, Bible passages and Shakespeare, the now very well-worn Oscar was passed from hand to hand to every person in the theater.
Everyone the Peeks meet is greeted warmly as Kim asks for a date of birth. With just this little piece of information, Kim can tell the day of the week you were born, on what day of the week your birthday falls in the current year and the day of your 65th birthday, so you can start making retirement plans.
Kim also asked many of those he met on campus where they lived and then described in great detail the roads the person traveled on to reach Fond du Lac, what local television stations served their home and their area code.
Prof. Elizabeth Hayes
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The Peeks’ appearance at UW-Fond du Lac was arranged by Dr. Darold Treffert, a Fond du Lac psychiatrist who has studied Savant Syndrome for more than 40 years. Dr. Treffert has worked closely with UW-Fond du Lac biology Professor Elizabeth Hayes and her students over the years, often giving lectures on the topic of Savant Syndrome. This lecture was one of a two-part series in spring 2008.
The Peeks live in Salt Lake City, Utah, and their visit to Fond du Lac was possible with the support of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.
Kim has been the subject of numerous news stories, programs and documentaries including one being filmed the day he visited Fond du Lac. ITV Productions from London filmed the Peeks’ visit for the documentary “Genius.”
Kim and his father continue to travel around the world with their inspirational message, a simple message about diversity and love. “You don’t have to be handicapped to be different. Everyone is different,” Kim told the audience. more info: www.savantsyndrome.com
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