Deaf IMDb
Well-known Deaf Actresses, Actors and Filmmakers on television shows and movies.
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Marlee Beth Matlin was born on August 24, 1965 in Morton Grove, Illinois, to Libby (Hammer) and Donald Matlin, an automobile dealer. She has two older brothers. Her family is of Russian Jewish and Polish Jewish descent.
Marlee lost much of her hearing at the age of eighteen months. That did not stop her from acting in a children's theater company at age seven; she was Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz". Her deafness never held her back. As an adult, she said it so eloquently: "I have always resisted putting limitations on myself, both professionally and personally." Marlee studied criminal justice at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, and maintained her passion for acting after graduating. While performing on stage through Chicago and the Midwest, Marlee attracted notice for her performance in a production of the Tony Award-winning play "Children of a Lesser God" and was cast in the movie version Children of a Lesser God (1986). Although this was her movie debut, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. While shooting her next movie Walker (1987), in Nicaragua, large-hearted Marlee took time to visit both hearing and hearing-impaired children. She continued this tradition of visiting local children through her travels to Germany, England, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Canada, etc.
Her interest in the criminal justice field played a role in her on screen career; she portrayed an assistant D.A. on the television series Reasonable Doubts (1991), while off screen she married police officer Kevin Grandalski on August 29, 1993. The couple has four children: Sarah (born 1996), Brandon (born 2000), Tyler (born 2002), and Isabelle (born 2003). In 1994, Marlee was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance as Laurie Bey on the television series Picket Fences (1992). Marlee is also a spokeswoman for the National Captioning Institute. In 1995, she testified at a congressional hearing and helped get a law passed that requires all television sets 13 inches or larger to be manufactured with built-in chips to provide closed captioning on their screens; this was a godsend for deaf viewers.
Marlee serves as the national spokeswoman for the largest provider of television closed captioning, and has spoken on behalf of CC in countries such as Australia, England, France and Italy. She also serves on the boards of a number of charitable organizations, including Very Special Arts, the Starlight Foundation, and other charities that primarily benefit children. As someone who loves children so much, it is only fitting that she has four of her own. Professionally, Marlee has even tried producing, being the executive producer for Where the Truth Lies (1999).- Actress
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Shoshannah Stern was born on 3 July 1980 in Walnut Creek, California, USA. She is an actress and writer, known for Jericho (2006), The Hammer (2010) and This Close (2018). She has been married to Ricky Mitchell since 3 June 2012.- Actress
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Millicent (Millie) Simmonds is a BAFTA nominated American actress from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania best known for Wonderstruck (2017), A Quiet Place (2018), A Quiet Place Part II (2020), and Helen & Teacher. She made her Broadway debut 2023 starring opposite Laurie Metcalf in Levi Holloway's Grey House, directed by Joe Mantello. Millicent originally hails from Bountiful, Utah and at a young age began performing and telling stories in American Sign Language. At the age of nine she joined the theater and drama club at her elementary school, where she fell in love with acting, playing Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream. In 2016 her drama teacher received an email with a casting call for a Deaf actress wanted for the part of Rose in a film adaption of Brian Selznick's award winning novel Wonderstruck. She quickly thought of Millie and encouraged her to try out. Millie, then twelve, sent in a one-take audition that brought the film's director Todd Haynes to tears, winning her what would become a stunning breakout performance. Millicent and Wonderstruck made their debut at Cannes and the New York Film Festival. She was named one of the Breakthrough Entertainers of 2017 by AP, and Time Magazine listed Rose as one of the Top 10 Movie Performances of the year. Millicent landed her next major role as Regan Abbott in John Krasinski's horror-thriller A Quiet Place, working alongside Emily Blunt and Noah Jupe. Krasinski was adamant about casting a Deaf actress to play Regan and using American Sign Language authentically. Her experiences became resources and inspiration for the script, story, and sound design of the film, which would go one to receive an Oscar nomination in the latter category. A Quiet Place was a surprise critical darling, debuting at the South By Southwest Film Festival where it received a standing ovation. In 2021 she reprized her role as Regan in the sequel A Quiet Place Part II. Millie is an advocate and activist on set and off. In 2017, Millicent became the first ever Deaf actor nominated for the Critics' Choice Award for her work in Wonderstruck and was nominated a second time in 2018 for her work in A Quiet Place. Her performance in A Quiet Place's sequel outing earned her a historic BAFTA Rising Star nomination, and the coveted Chainsaw Award. It is now widely regarded as one of cinema's best child performances. In 2021 it was announced she would be executive producing and starring as Charlie Serrano in an adaptation of the New York Times Best Selling novel True Biz. Her accomplishments and visibility have served as major steps forward in positive film and media representation for the Deaf and wider disabled community. Millicent is one of five siblings and loves to spend time with her family and friends. An avid reader and writer, she has many hobbies, including rock music, spoon collecting, painting, and riding her motorcycle. She hopes to continue acting, writing, and filmmaking as long as she can.- Actress
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Treshelle M. Edmond is an actress, model, and ASL performer that has been described as "a stand-out performer whose words seem to spill directly from the core of her body in waves of grief, anger and vulnerability." Treshelle's passion and expressiveness are un-paralleled which make her a triple threat in this industry. Treshelle was born September 10, 1990 in San Bernardino, California. She is the oldest of 3 children (she has one younger brother and one younger sister). Treshelle was diagnosed with having a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears when she was around 18 months old. Her family moved out of state and she attended Epic Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama where she learned and became fluent in American Sign Language. It was at Epic Elementary where Treshelle first took the stage and found her love for performing. Treshelle and her family would ultimately move back to Southern California where she went on to graduate from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California. It was at Fairfax where the acting bug appeared. Treshelle auditioned for and landed a guest starring role on House, M.D. From there, she performed in the deaf choir on Glee. Treshelle did not have much acting experience but she had so much passion and natural ability she seemed to "wow" her audiences with every performance. In continuing her education, Treshelle attended California State University, Northridge where she majored in Child and Adolescent Development. It was at CSUN when she decided to audition for Deaf West Theater's production of Spring Awakening. The play launched at Inner City Arts Theater, a 99-seat theater in downtown Los Angeles in September 2014. By February 1, 2015, Treshelle was on the field at Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, Arizona signing America the Beautiful with John Legend and the National Anthem with Idina Menzel. Treshelle quickly learned that Spring Awakening would re-launch in May 2015 at the Wallis Center for Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, CA and she would reprise her role as Martha Bessel to a 500 seat theater crowd. Spring Awakening has since transferred and running on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theater. You can see Treshelle Edmond in the cast of Spring Awakening through January 24, 2016.- Actress
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Lauren Ridloff is an American actress and former teacher. She is known as a former Miss Deaf America (2000 - 2002), as Lauren Teruel. She's also known for her 2018 Tony-nominated Broadway performance as Sarah Norman in Children of a Lesser God, and as Connie in the AMC Television series The Walking Dead.- Actor
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Daniel was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. He attended mainstream schools in Duluth before transferring to the Minnesota State School for the Deaf in 8th grade. Daniel graduated from MSAD in 2008 and attended RIT in Rochester, NY and Gallaudet in Washington, DC. Daniel moved to Los Angeles, CA in 2012 to join the Deaf West Theatre production of Cyrano. Shortly after Cyrano, Daniel landed a job as guest actor at Oakland University in Michigan working with Terp Theater. Daniel played, "Stinger," the lead role in their production of Police: Deaf: Near: Far. Daniel joined the cast of Switched at Birth (ABC Family Channel) in 2013 and continued in his co-starring role as the character of "Matthew" through the finale of the series aired in 2017. In the Fall of 2013, Daniel teamed up once again with Deaf West, playing the lead role of "Charlie" in their production of Flowers for Algernon. Daniel played the co-lead role of "Moritz" in the critically acclaimed 2014 Deaf West production of Spring Awakening, which opened in the Rosenthal Theatre and moved to the Wallis Annenberg Theatre (Beverly Hills) in 2015. In the Fall of 2015, Daniel made his Broadway debut as "Mortiz" at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. The show opened to rave reviews and ran until January 2016. In 2017, Daniel joined the Norwegian company of Teater Manu for the lead role of "Jonas" in Jonas and the Body, traveling for performances in Norway and France over a seven-month period. In 2019, Daniel was involved in movies, television and theatre, filming Coda, Silent Notes and You (Netflix), as well as performing in Canada and France in the production of Black Drum. His ongoing work includes co-leading acting workshops for Deaf students in area schools, serving as an acting teacher and coach for Deaf film camps as well as national speaking engagements for colleges and universities. Daniel has received numerous awards and recognition, including the 2016 Theatre Award (Outstanding 2016 Broadway Debut Performance), Broadway.com's "Top 10 Show-Stopping Performances of the 2015-2016 Broadway Season," Huffington Post's "Top 10 Best Theatrical Performances of 2015," Theatremania.com's "12 Best Broadway Debuts of 2015" and a 2014 Robby Award nomination for Excellence in Theatre. Daniel was also the 2014 Deaf Awareness Month Honoree for the City of Los Angeles, honoring his outstanding contributions to the arts and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities of Los Angeles. Daniel is passionate about acting and supporting the Deaf community and spends his free time connecting with and meeting new friends all over the world through his ASL videos on YouTube, Deaf Gamers Network and his Facebook & Twitter accounts. "ASL makes our world a more beautiful place." ~ Daniel N. Durant- Actor
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Bob Hiltermann is a true success story. He was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, the 10th of 11 children. Spinal meningitis left him deaf at the age of 4, but without that knowledge, his family just assumed he was "slow". They moved to Canada when he was 5 years old, making communication even more difficult for Bob. His family finally discovered he was deaf when he was 10 years old! But it wasn't until Bob was 18 years old and went to Gallaudet University that he learned sign language, and it changed his life.
Bob was raised in a family of classical musicians, which inspired his love for music. He learned to play drums at the age of 16. He gravitated toward performance, and is well known for his pioneering work in the award-winning sign language musical theater, "MUSIGN." Bob is the drummer with the wildly popular all-deaf rock band "Beethoven's Nightmare" which performs around the world. He also plays percussions, harmonica, piano, and electric keyboard.
As an actor, he has starred in several award-winning documentary films, TV, soaps, stage productions, and feature films. Bob's credits include, a year's run on TV soap, "All My Children," several features that include, "Children of a Lesser God," "The Heart is a Drum Machine," and "The Hammer." He is one of four deaf entertainers starring in the well-received documentary, "See What I'm Saying." Bob is the star of the new educational DVD's sign language series, "Shut Up and Sign," and has received interest as a TV series.- Actor
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Sean Berdy was born on June 3rd, 1993 in Boca Raton, Florida, to parents Terrie and Scott Berdy. At a young age Sean began putting on impromptu comedic shows alongside his brother, Tyler, to the delight of family and friends. Seeing the joy he brought to others while performing, he became passionate about entertaining. Young Berdy also became fascinated with magic and won the top award for young magicians at the World Children's Magicians Festival held in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Sean received his first big break in acting on The Sandlot 2. Sean played the role of lovable and mischievous Sammy "Fingers" Samuelson.
In 2011, Sean was cast as a series regular in the ABC Family's series "Switched at Birth." Playing opposite Marlee Matlin as his mother, Sean portrayed the role of Emmett Bledsoe. Among other skills, Emmett rides a motorcycle, plays the drums in a rock band and is a photographer.
As a result, in 2011 he was nominated for TV Breakout Star by the Teen Choice Awards.
For Twentieth Century-Fox's animated movie "Ice Age: Continental Drift," Sean has provided an industry first on-camera ASL performance that displays in a picture-in-picture window used in the DVD release.
Over the years, Sean has created several music videos performed in ASL and delivered a number of motivational keynote speeches throughout the country.- Russell Harvard was born April 16, 1981 in Pasadena, Texas to Kay and Henry Harvard. Russell and his brother, Renny, were born deaf. When the boys were old enough to start school, the family moved to Austin, Texas so they could attend the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). Russell attended TSD from kindergarten through the twelfth grade and graduated in 1999 always being evolved in his favorite arts of music and acting. After graduation, he enrolled at Gallaudet University, a deaf college, in Washington D.C. where also played in performances of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" and Tennessee Williams's "A Streetcar Named Desire". He had left and returned to the university several times when one of life's distractions beckons him to try other things. One of those distractions was moving to Alaska with his mother and working in a deaf school. He returned to Gallaudet, graduated in 2008 while also went on as a theater teacher and director of plays at Texas School for the Deaf.
Praised stage productions like Nina Raine's "Tribes", William Shakespeare's "King Lear" (as the Duke of Cornwall) with Glenda Jackson in the title role and Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" (as Link Deas and Boo Radley) express, among others, his excellent theater work in a wide range of wonderful roles vividly inspired by his exquisite acting subtlety. His applauded performances in "King Lear" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" also marked an historic milestone for deaf actors on Broadway in roles who are not defined by their deafness. His sublime qualities of profoundness, charisma and insights as one of the best actors of his generation are also expressed through his superb screen work of memorable tour-de-force interpretations in film and TV masterpieces such as Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood (2007), Oren Kaplan's The Hammer (2010) and Noah Hawley's Fargo (2014). - Actress
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Born mostly deaf from an unknown cause. Completely deaf in right ear, some residual hearing in left ear in which she uses a hearing aid. Enjoys reading, especially with deaf children. Also enjoys attending deaf community events. Role models include Phyllis Frelich, Linda Bove, Freda Norman and Sue Thomas. In addition to acting, also teaches American Sign Language.- Actor
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Anthony Natale was born in St Catharines, Ontario, along with his older brother and younger sister, he represent the generation of a large Italian families in White Plains, New York He attended a boarding school for the deaf in Ernest C Drury, He was transferred to a mainstreaming gifted program with hearing students. Upon on his graduation as a valedictorian He Attended California State University Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in film production and minor in theater arts. During his high school era, Anthony's first memory of wanting to be an actor was in a residential high school of the deaf, when Grease first came out. Being hard of hearing and at somewhat of a disadvantage before films were available in closed captions. Anthony came across a pop up book about the movie, and took it with him to watch. Right away, he knew he wanted "to be an actor like John Travolta". Natale says, he was the class clown in school and would have become an actor whether he was deaf or hearing. Natale is known to moviegoers as the guy in the elevator during the pivotal scene from Jerry Maguire, signing "You complete me" to his partner. He starred as the older son in Mr Holland's Opus and has been also seen in Children of a a lesser GodAnthony is also the star of "How to talk to a person who can't hear" , the first video made to teach sign language to the general public which has garnered awards from the U.S. International film&Video Festival and a young Artist Award.- Actor
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Model, actor, and activist Nyle DiMarco, born in Queens, New York City, USA, has been breaking down barriers and winning over audiences since he burst onto the scene in 2014. As a fan favorite on cycle 22 of "America's Next Top Model," DiMarco became the second male winner and first Deaf contestant on the hit CW series.
In 2016, DiMarco won season 22 of ABC's dance competition "Dancing with the Stars." With the guidance of professional partner Peta Murgatroyd, he became the first deaf contestant to take home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Following his DWTS win, DiMarco jumped back in front of the camera, expanding his acting credits with a role on Hulu's "Difficult People" starring opposite Billy Eichner and John Early. Previously, he recurred as "Garrett Banducci" on "Switched at Birth" for Freeform, and has a recurring role on Sundance TV's "This Close."
DiMarco became a producing member of the 2018 Broadway revival of Mark Medoff's groundbreaking play "Children of a Lesser God." The show, which opened April 11th at Studio 54, was directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon ("A Raisin in the Sun," "Fences") and stars Joshua Jackson ("The Affair"), Lauren Ridloff ("Wonderstruck"), and Anthony Edwards (ER). This was DiMarco's first producing credit, bringing a unique perspective as a Deaf artist and invaluable insight to telling such a meaningful story.
Activism and philanthropy play extremely large roles in DiMarco's life. He has quickly become the face of not only the Deaf community but disabled people worldwide. As the founder of The Nyle DiMarco Foundation, he works tirelessly on bilingual education initiatives and aims to improve access to accurate information about early language acquisition. DiMarco is an inspiration to many and speaks all over the world, spreading the word of inclusion and acceptance. He recently spoke to a room of influencers at the NGLCC about the Deaf community and the work that The Nyle DiMarco Foundation is doing. He is also an ally and influencer with the United Nations, further propelling his advocacy and tackling both education and accessibility under their 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.- Actress
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Stephanie Nogueras; Actress and Model of Puerto Rican descent. She left her home on a New Jersey farm right out of college for a life in the big City of Hollywood. Within six months, Stephanie landed a recurring role on ABC Family's Switched at Birth as "Natalie Pierce". *The Season 4 finale episode #4010 was inspired by an actual event in Stephanie's life. Stephanie concurrently booked a "Guest Star" role as "Elly" on NBC's Fantasy Cop Show Grimm. Nogueras' role as a Deaf Mermaid earned that episode its highest rating for the Season. In an interview about her role on the show, Stephanie told People Magazine "There's Nothing in My Life That Would Limit My Ability to Succeed" (11/2013) Stephanie has quickly become a Role Model, as her commanding presence in the public eye has been inspiring for both the Deaf and hearing alike. Stephanie is also an accomplished Hair & Petite Model with three Magazine Covers to her credit. After Switched at Birth ended its five-season in 2016, she continued acting. Her filming has wrapped and the rumor that movie should be released sometime in 2018.- Actress
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As an actor, CJ has done just about everything, from performing a Tony Award winning play on National Tour, to directing Deaf kids from high school to kindergarten in their own productions. He has acted in Film and TV, written several one-man shows that have toured the US and internationally, and gives motivational speeches to colleges and companies. CJ has performed his one-man show in Ecuador, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Canada, the US Virgin Islands, and in every state in the union. He has performed in hundreds of elementary, high schools, universities, colleges, conventions, and many events across the continent, inspiring hearing and deaf, young and old.
CJ was born in St. Louis, MO, one of seven hearing children born to deaf parents. At age 7 he was struck very ill with spinal meningitis, and consequently lost his hearing. After he became deaf, he briefly tried an oral education in a local school and then transferred to Missouri School for the Deaf, where he graduated High School. After High School, CJ attended National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, NY. After graduating NTID, CJ joined the National Theater for the Deaf, where he toured nationally with main stage plays and Little Theater of the Deaf for two years.
Cast as Orin in Children of a Lesser God, (Bus/Truck Broadway tour) he toured USA and Canada for 2 years, and garnered an Ensemble Tony award for their performances. He has also appeared on NBC's "Frasier," ABC Family's "Lincoln Heights," the PBS television shows Sesame Street and Rainbow's End, and was the host of Happy Hands Kids Klub.
CJ is one of 4 Deaf performers showcased in the 2010 documentary See What I'm Saying. CJ also appeared in Through Deaf Eyes on PBS, and in all 6 Once Upon a Sign titles. He has even done voice over roles, voicing a Deaf Indian (played by a hearing actor) in a movie called PathFinder from 20th Century Fox.
CJ plays the role of Joseph in the action movie Baby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright. It was released August 2017. He also plays a spiritual guru in the horror film Door in the Woods released this summer. Presently he is working on a feature film project with James Cameron and Jon Landau.
CJ was a consultant with Downtown Disney to host Deaf celebrities, performers, dancers, storytellers, and more... from March 16 - 18, 2012 at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. He also consulted a short film project Championship Rounds. He is the producer of the new ASL Idol sign language song-signing competition that will be held at College of Canyons on September 23, 2017.
Through his media company, Sign World TV, CJ co-wrote, Directed, and Acted in a series of 6 classic fairy tales titled Once Upon A Sign, produced with Dawn Sign Press. All titles have been released direct to DVD and streaming.
CJ received Nevil Award (2013) from Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. This award is given to an individual, hearing or deaf, who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
For more than 35 years, CJ has shared his talents with Deaf and hearing schools, events, and universities across the country and around the world. CJ vigorously spreads the message to students and adults alike, that being different does not mean being less worthwhile.
HONORS Unsung Hero Award of the Year 2008 - KCET-WAMU, Los Angeles NTID Alumni Association Outstanding Award 2008 - NTID/RIT, Rochester, NY Outstanding Service to the Deaf Community 2011-The Spirit of Excellence Nevil Award 2013 presented by Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
GRANTS . L.A. Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles - Artistic Director - ASL Poetry - Show of Hands 1994-97 . Deaf Culture Playwrights - Everyday Cafe & Say What? (TV Pilot Project) . Toyota Foundation - Hands Across Communications, Inc., 1998 . Weingart Foundation - Hands Across Communications, Inc., 1999 . Sign World TV - Founder/CEO
Graduation Speaker California School for the Deaf - Fremont (2nd time) California School for the Deaf - Riverside (2nd time) Pennsylvania School for the Deaf - Philadelphia, PA Missouri School for the Deaf - Fulton, Missouri New York School for the Deaf - Fanwood, New York- Actor
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Troy Kotsur has been acting and directing for over 20 years. Deaf since birth, he was raised in Mesa, AZ. In his career he has had critically acclaimed performances in major films, a lead role in the Broadway run of a Tony Award-winning play, and numerous memorable roles on Television.
Troy has garnered rave reviews for his leading role in the 2021 feature CODA, which was awarded Best Ensemble Cast at Sundance. He is credited with being one of the prime reasons for the feature's festival success, which lead to its $25 million sale to Apple. Previous to this, Troy had a supporting role in The Number 23 starring Jim Carrey, and in subsequent years became known for stand-out performances in indie features.
In television, Troy made headlines in 2019 for his acting role in The Mandalorian on Disney+ because along with acting, he choreographed an adapted form of sign language for the series. Other notable television roles include guest star appearances on Criminal Minds, Scrubs, CSI: NY, and a fan favorite recurring character on PAX's Sue Thomas: FB-Eye.
Much of Troy's success has stemmed from his highly respected career on stage. This includes a role in the Tony Award-winning run of Big River on Broadway, performing at the Mark Taper Forum, and the 2015 LA Drama Critics Circle Award nominee Spring Awakening.- Aryana Engineer was born on 6 March 2001 in British Columbia, Canada. She is an actress, known for Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), Orphan (2009) and Dreaming of Peggy Lee (2015).
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Terrylene was born on 5 February 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She is an actress, known for Natural Born Killers (1994), Angel (1999) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995).- Actor
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Ryan Lane was born on 23 November 1987 in Fullerton California, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Switched at Birth (2011), Veronica Mars (2014) and iZombie (2015).- Actress
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Hillary Baack is known for The East (2013), Sound of Metal (2019) and Helen. She has been married to Alexander Baack since 10 September 2004.- Actor
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Tyrone Giordano was born on 18 April 1976 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for The Family Stone (2005), A Lot Like Love (2005) and The Next Three Days (2010).- Actress
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Born deaf, she was a founding member of the National Theater of the Deaf in 1963. In 1974, she received the AMITA--the Italian-American Award for her work on television. Best known for playing Linda on Sesame Street (1969) for over 20 years--the longest-running role on American television for a person with a differing ability.- Phyllis was born on Feburary 29, 1944, the oldest of 9 children. She attended North Dakota School for the Deaf, graduating in 1962. She went on to Gallaudet College (renamed Gallaudet University), actively participating in theater there. She finally made her debut on April 2, 1967, on the NBC nationwide program, "Theatre of the Deaf". In 1980, she earned the Tony Award for Best Actress of 1980 with her performance in "Children of a Lesser God", a Broadway play, which was also named Best Play of 1980 as well.
- Howie Seago is one of the most engaged deaf actors in the USA. For more than 20 years he's been working as an actor, director and producer all over the world. Deaf from birth, Seago started to develop his mimic abilities as a child with the help of his mother, before he stepped on stage before the public for the first time in college. His break-through role was in Peter Sellar's production "Ajax"; David Byrne, the singer of the 'Talking Heads', saw him in this performance and was so impressed that he cast him for the role of the king in his German production of "The Forest" (1989). For his performances as an actor Seago has been honored several times, including the prestigious Helen Hayes award. Apart from numerous further other plays he was also on television, e.g. in Hunter (1984), as well as in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and The Equalizer (1985). Beyond that, He helped create the Emmy winning TV show "Rainbow's End" for deaf children. He also produced some plays and by his commitment as author and teacher he became a central figure of the American Deaf Community.
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Terrylene was born on 5 February 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She is an actress, known for Natural Born Killers (1994), Angel (1999) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995).- Additional Crew
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David K. Shelton hails from a small northeast Texas town, Pittsburg. He is an up-and-coming entertainer with larger than life personality! His ability to make people laugh was clear from a young age. Growing up under the shade of the piney woods of East Texas, hes always maintained an adventurous spirit. After completing college he went on to start his professional career in sales. His Jack-of-all-Trades talents have given him exposure as a host, motivational speaker, actor and model. Credits include ABC television series "The Gates," a reality micro-series on the Starz Network "Looking for Stars" and the independent LIONSGATE film "Devil's Deal," in which he plays the lead Samuel Rueben. In 2012 Shelton appeared as himself on the Food Networks' hit reality competition series "Worst Cooks in America," where he quickly became a fan favorite and advanced all the way to the semi-finals! He has been active in the Louisiana Film Prize competition and is the lead in such short films as "The Dark Room" and "The End of The Road." In 2014 David appeared on the new age trivia game show "Let's Ask America" where he beat his fellow competitors and took home the prize money. He is becoming known for having serious acting chops but is "..centered with an outgoing, southern charmed personality." He is earning a reputation as an "All-American Texan" that is "...best at being himself!" David lives near Longview Texas with his wife Tenae and when he not hosting events he is an Advertising Executive for a media company.- Actor
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Rush Limbaugh was born on 12 January 1951 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. He was an actor, known for Forget Paris (1995), Hearts Afire (1992) and Rush Limbaugh (1992). He was married to Kathryn Limbaugh, Marta Maranda Fitzgerald, Michelle Sixta Wennerholm and Roxy Maxine McNeely. He died on 17 February 2021 in Palm Beach, Florida, USA.- Actor
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An internationally famous and well respected bodybuilder / actor, Lou Ferrigno first appeared on TV screens in 1977 as the musclebound title character of The Incredible Hulk (1978), the alter ego of meek scientist David Banner. Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1951 and as a child suffered from an ear infection that resulted in permanent partial hearing loss. Undeterred by what some may have perceived as a disadvantage, Lou threw himself into athletics (predominantly weightlifting and body building) and at the age of 21 won his first Mr. Universe title. For good measure, he came back and won it again the following year!
He also played professional football in the Canadian Football League, before coming to the attention of producer Kenneth Johnson, who was seeking just the right person to portray on screen the comic book superhero, The Incredible Hulk. With his 6'5", 285 lbs. frame, Lou was the biggest professional bodybuilder of the time, and had recently starred in the documentary Pumping Iron (1977), about the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest in South Africa. He successfully auditioned for the part of the green-skinned Goliath, and that is the role with which he is most closely identified.
"The Hulk" was a huge ratings success and spawned several telemovies after the initial TV series completed its run. Lou continued to remain busy in films and TV with appearances often centered around his remarkable physique. His films included Hercules (1983), Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989) and Frogtown II (1992). Lou has additionally guest-starred on several TV shows including The Fall Guy (1981) and The New Mike Hammer (1984) and had a recurring role on The King of Queens (1998). In 1997 he was featured in the dynamic documentary about his sensational return to professional bodybuilding at age 43, Stand Tall (1997). The film detailed how he returned to compete in the Masters category of the Mr. Olympia contest against several familiar bodybuilding foes. In more recent years, he has appeared in several films, including The Misery Brothers (1995), Ping! (2000), From Heaven to Hell (2002) and a cameo as a security guard in the big-budget remake of Hulk (2003).
Big Lou is also a successful author with two books detailing his bodybuilding knowledge, and his life behind the scenes playing the Incredible Hulk on TV in the 1970s, plus he has a popular website frequented by his many fans worldwide.- Actress
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Halle Maria Berry was born Maria Halle Berry on August 14, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Oakwood, Ohio to Judith Ann Berry (née Hawkins), a psychiatric nurse & Jerome Jesse Berry, a hospital attendant. Her father was African-American and her mother is of mostly English and German descent. Halle first came into the spotlight at seventeen years when she won the Miss Teen All-American Pageant, representing the state of Ohio in 1985 and, a year later in 1986, when she was the first runner-up in the Miss U.S.A. Pageant. After participating in the pageant, Halle became a model. It eventually led to her first weekly TV series, 1989's Living Dolls (1989), where she soon gained a reputation for her on-set tenacity, preferring to "live" her roles and remaining in character even when the cameras stopped rolling. It paid off though when she reportedly refused to bathe for several days before starting work on her role as a crack addict in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever (1991) because the role provided her big screen breakthrough. The following year, she was cast as Eddie Murphy's love interest in Boomerang (1992), one of the few times that Murphy was evenly matched on screen. In 1994, Berry gained a youthful following for her performance as sexy secretary "Sharon Stone" in The Flintstones (1994). She next had a highly publicized starring role with Jessica Lange in the adoption drama Losing Isaiah (1995). Though the movie received mixed reviews, Berry didn't let that slow her down, and continued down her path to super-stardom.
In 1998, she received critical success when she starred as a street smart young woman who takes up with a struggling politician in Warren Beatty's Bulworth (1998). The following year, she won even greater acclaim for her role as actress Dorothy Dandridge in made-for-cable's Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999), for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series. In 2000, she received box office success in X-Men (2000) in which she played "Storm", a mutant who has the ability to control the weather. In 2001, she starred in the thriller Swordfish (2001), and became the first African-American to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards, for her role as a grieving mother in the drama Monster's Ball (2001).- An active athlete, Kelly Marie Monaco grew up on the East Coast, where she participated in soccer, swimming, track and softball, among other sports. After the last of five girls was born, her family decided to move from the bustling city of Philadelphia to the more peaceful environment of the Poconos. Monaco proudly states that she is a born competitor. In addition to athletics, she participated intensely in speech, debate and theater during high school. Monaco's television debut came in 1997, when she landed a recurring role on Baywatch (1989). She has since segued into the feature film world with roles in Idle Hands (1999), Mumford (1999) and BASEketball (1998). Raised in an Italian Catholic home, Monaco is very close with her family, especially her great-grandmother. She enjoys volunteering for children's charity events, as well as working with elders. She currently resides in West Hollywood, California.
- Tristan is a proud Native American (Chippewa/Ojibwa/Ojibway). Tristan is also Deaf and fluent in American Sign Language. He is a graduate of Gallaudet University from the Credit Indian Reservation in Ontario, Canada.
Tristan has been featured in several short/feature films and performed in several theater shows. Tristan has spoken at conferences, churches and events empowering people with disabilities and Native Americans to soar.
Tristan is a farmer outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Tristan still takes on film projects, writes plays the mandolin(picked up in his 60th year) and writes bluegrass songs and the occasional conference empowerment speaking engagements.
Tristan has been listed nationally with Deaf and Native American Recognition Lists as an actor/author. - Actor
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Luke Adams was born on 10 June 1967 in Dallas, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Ted 2 (2015), Family Guy (1999) and House of the Generals (2003).- Director
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Rydrea "Dre" Walker is a visionary filmmaker dedicated to bringing black, indigenous, and other people of color Deaf culture to the forefront of Hollywood. With over fourteen years of expertise, Dre is a master storyteller, adept at crafting compelling narratives for film, television, and stage productions. Inspired by his upbringing and fueled by a passion for storytelling, Dre's journey began in Fayette, Alabama, where he discovered his love for filmmaking at a young age.
Despite facing challenges as the first-generation deaf individual in his family, Dre's determination and creativity have propelled him forward, earning recognition for his work, including his debut short film "Bob Movie." Through WarriorsGate Entertainment, Dre seeks to inspire and uplift audiences with stories that reflect the rich tapestry of black, indigenous, and other people of color Deaf experiences.
With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Dre collaborates with clients to bring their visions to life, leveraging his expertise in directing, writing, and editing. His work serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, demonstrating the power of storytelling to transcend barriers and unite communities.
As Dre continues to pave the way for underrepresented voices in the industry, his journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the boundless potential of the human spirit.- Actress
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Katie Leclerc's career began in 2005, when she made her first appearance on Veronica Mars (2004). This jump-started a series of minor roles and small appearances in movies and TV shows. She got her breakout role starring as a deaf teenager, Daphne Vasquez, who finds out she was taken home by the wrong family in ABC Family's Switched at Birth (2011).- Writer
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Jade Bryan graduated with a BFA degree in film production from one of the world's top film schools at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Jade founded DeafVision Filmworks, Inc. and Jade Films and Entertainment, LLC, and has produced and directed such award-winning documentaries as "Listen to the Hands of Our People", "On and Off Stage: The Bruce Hlibok Stories", "9/11 Fear in Silence: The Forgotten Underdogs" and "Reaching Zenith: A Black Deaf Filmmaker's Journey."
Jade completed her first feature, "If Your Could Hear My Own Tune", which toured the festival circuit from 2010-2012. She worked tirelessly on the film for nine (9) years, which she produced in 2001. Jade in talks about producing it into a musical play (staged reading) this summer/fall of 2018. The new title is "Feel My Song."
"The Shattered Mind" is her most recent feature film she completed in 2014 and toured 47 film festivals around the globe. "The Shattered Mind" won 17 awards; included Best Sound, Audience Award, Special Jury Prize, Best Exhibition Film and Best Narrative Feature and Short.
One of Jade's projects, "The Two Essences", a comedy sitcom pilot, will be her first television series. She is also pitching another pilot, "The Innocent Project," about deaf females hero complex. And, she is also working on a documentary, "Black and Deaf in America", about various issues regarding deaf (African-Americans) who were impacted by police brutality, racism, black erasure and oppression in the educational system.
Jade believes in promoting inclusion, awareness, and positive representation of Deaf Talents of Color in television and film. She created the #DeafTalent movement on social media in 2012.
Jade is a proud member of the New York Women in Film and Television, (NYWIFT). Their website is nywift.- Actor
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Harold Eugene Catron Jr, better known by his stage name Harold Foxx, is a writer, producer, director, comedian, and actor who happens to be Deaf. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Harold went on to play football for Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. while also earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He created "The Harold Foxx Show," an online series of comedic video sketches currently available on various social media platforms.
Best known for his stand-up comedy, Harold has performed at iconic venues such as the Crow Comedy, the Laugh Factory, Flappers Comedy Club, and the Palm Springs International Virtual Comedy Festival 2020, as well as in major cities across the nation.
Harold has been involved in numerous film, television, and stage productions including "The Actor Whisperer," "For My Woman," "Audism Unveiled," Deaf West Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse "Our Town," Playwrights Horizons' "I Was Alive With You" (NYC Off-Broadway Production), National Theatre of the Deaf 2020 Online Playwrights Convening. He also wrote, produced, directed, and acted in "Smell the Nature" for 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
Harold was selected for a competitive fellowship for the 2021 RespectAbility Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities. Harold is proud to be serving as Associate Producer on Orange Kite Productions' feature documentary Being Michele. The film is about a deaf woman with autism who survived incarceration and abuse and now uses her artwork to depict the trauma she survived and heal her past. Harold also served as an Art Education Teaching Artist for Deaf West Theatre and was Post Production intern for a comedy and romantic feature film Something from Tiffany's by Amazon Studios. Harold was one of the judges for the 2023 Deaf Film Festival.
Currently, Harold is training with The Groundlings, an improvisation and sketch comedy theatre & school based in Los Angeles, California. Harold is also a graduate student at California State University, Northridge, pursuing an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in screenwriting.- Editor
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James Cude is an editor and producer, known for Abducted in Plain Sight (2017), Pageant (2008) and I Just Killed My Dad (2022).- Writer
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Stephen Tyrone Colbert (pronounced "cole-BEAR") was born on May 13, 1964 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. He is the son of Lorna Elizabeth (Tuck) and James William Colbert, Jr., a doctor and medical school dean at Yale, Saint Louis University, and MUSC. He is the youngest of eleven children, and is of Irish Catholic background.
Stephen studied acting at Northwestern and performed with the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago before teaming up with fellow cast members Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello to create the sketch comedy Exit 57 (1995) for Comedy Central. During its two-season run in the mid-1990s, it garnered five CableACE nominations for best writing, performing, and comedy series. After the demise of Exit 57 (1995) from 1997 (until his departure in October 2005), Stephen was a correspondent on The Daily Show (1996), then hosted by Craig Kilborn. Initially billed as "The New Guy," Stephen became the show's longest-running correspondent before getting his own show, The Colbert Report (2005), which has done well in its slot following The Daily Show (1996).
At the time he left The Daily Show (1996), Stephen had been its longest-running and most diverse correspondent. In addition to his role as Senior Political Correspondent, he was one of the hosts of "Even Stepheven," a point-counterpoint assault featuring co-correspondent Steve Carell, and the host of "This Week in God," a recurring segment in which he reported on all things theological with the assistance of the "God Machine."
Stephen helped The Daily Show (1996) win numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards and contributed to "America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction" (Warner Books) which immediately topped the New York Times bestseller list and stayed there for 15 consecutive weeks.
His personality, intelligence, and leftist political satire could only have led him to The Colbert Report (2005), a half-hour nightly platform for him to give his tongue-in-cheek take on the issues of the day, and more importantly, to tell you why he thinks everyone else's take is just plain wrong.
His other notable credits include serving as both writer and cast member on The Dana Carvey Show (1996), writing for Saturday Night Live (1975), and providing the voice of Ace in Robert Smigel's "Ambiguously Gay Duo," which originated on The Dana Carvey Show (1996) and was a semi-regular feature in Smigel's "TV Funhouse" segment on SNL. He was also featured on "Mr. Goodwrench" commercials (2003-2005).
Stephen lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and three children.- Actress
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Kristin Chenoweth is an American stage, screen and television actress, though, depending on who you ask, Chenoweth fans may disagree on what her most famous roles are. Since Chenoweth began her career, she has been credited with roles in musicals and plays on and off-Broadway, on various television shows and can be seen in movies on television and the big screen. She has also lent her recognizable voice numerous times to animated features.
Chenoweth was born in the small town of Broken Arrow, OK. Soon after her birth, Chenoweth was adopted by Jerry and Junie Chenoweth. She is very open about her adoption and has been known to support various adoption causes and organizations around the U.S. Although Chenoweth knows the backgrounds of her birth parents, she has commented that she has little interest in meeting them. The Chenoweth family includes older brother Mark. Chenoweth graduated from Broken Arrow High School and went on to study Musical Theater at Oklahoma City University. Under the guidance of Florence Birdwell, Chenoweth flourished in stage and vocal performance. She later received her Master's Degree in Opera Performance at OCU.
An avid fan of all things Oklahoman, Chenoweth was inducted into the 2010 State Hall of Fame. Fans of Kristin Chenoweth, the stage actress, have seen her stealing performances in Steel Pier, Epic Proportions, and The Apple Tree. In 1999, Chenoweth received the Tony Award for her performance as "Sally" in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". Chenoweth is well-known as the originator of "Glinda" in the 2003 mega-hit musical "Wicked". The role, written with Chenoweth in mind, earned her a Tony Award Nomination amongst many other accolades. Chenoweth returned to Broadway in 2010, alongside Sean Hayes in the Broadway revival of "Promises, Promises". In January of 2007, Chenoweth became the third musical theater performer in history to have a solo performance at NYC's Metropolitan Opera. She has also performed with various Symphonies around the world. Chenoweth has recorded 3 studio albums. Those who know Kristin best from her various television performances remember her as the quirky, down on love, "Olive Snook" on Pushing Daisies (2007). The role won Ms. Chenoweth an Emmy Award in 2009 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The show, ultimately canceled shortly after its 2nd season, is still considered by Kristin to be one of her favorite characters to play.
In 2001, Chenoweth starred in the short-lived NBC comedy Kristin (2001). She has also been seen on The West Wing (1999), Ugly Betty (2006) and has a recurring role on Fox's Glee (2009) as the recovering alcoholic has-been, but lovable "April Rhodes" . Her appearances on "Glee" earned her a 3rd Emmy nomination. Most recently, Ms. Chenoweth had a small part in the 2010 comedy, You Again (2010). She has also had roles in Four Christmases (2008), Deck the Halls (2006), Running with Scissors (2006) and link=tt0420223]. In 2009, Chenoweth took on the challenging role as "Linda" in the film, Into Temptation (2009). Ms. Chenoweth is bi-coastal, spending a good amount of time in both New York and Los Angeles.- Greg Anderson was born on 5 April 1961 in New Brunswick, Canada. He is an actor, known for Stargate SG-1 (1997), The 4400 (2004) and Strange Luck (1995).
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Sandra Mae Frank was born on 21 March 1990 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Soul to Keep (2018), Multiverse (2019) and The Sound of Fear (2016).- Actress
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- Howie Seago is one of the most engaged deaf actors in the USA. For more than 20 years he's been working as an actor, director and producer all over the world. Deaf from birth, Seago started to develop his mimic abilities as a child with the help of his mother, before he stepped on stage before the public for the first time in college. His break-through role was in Peter Sellar's production "Ajax"; David Byrne, the singer of the 'Talking Heads', saw him in this performance and was so impressed that he cast him for the role of the king in his German production of "The Forest" (1989). For his performances as an actor Seago has been honored several times, including the prestigious Helen Hayes award. Apart from numerous further other plays he was also on television, e.g. in Hunter (1984), as well as in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and The Equalizer (1985). Beyond that, He helped create the Emmy winning TV show "Rainbow's End" for deaf children. He also produced some plays and by his commitment as author and teacher he became a central figure of the American Deaf Community.
- Shaylee Mansfield is making history in Hollywood as a young Deaf actress. Regardless of her age, it took a while for her to get there. At a young age, her favorite toy was not a doll - it was a camera. The camera attached to her hand, she filmed herself everywhere she went and every chance she got. Then, her family and Shaylee began making videos for their YouTube channel ASL Nook (2013) inspiring millions to learn sign language worldwide. Her family has also been seen in one of Disney's most watched commercials as well as Deaf Out Loud documentary produced by Jonathan Murray and Marlee Matlin.
It was not until Shaylee's first acting break with Noelle (2019), Disney+ holiday film starring Anna Kendrick, that she flew solo. Shaylee truly believed that it was a one-time thing because Deaf roles rarely happen. But then, she started booking commercials, TV guest appearances, and films. In 2020, Shaylee debuted in her first lead role in the Netflix's hit film, Feel the Beat (2020) starring Sofia Carson. Thus, making her as one of the youngest Deaf actress to play a lead role. That's not all... Shaylee continues to shatter barriers in the entertainment industry by being the first Deaf person to be credited as a voice-over actress for a signing role with Dreamworks. She said in an interview, "To be credited is a huge deal... "Voice" is not only for people who "speak" with their mouth. My hands and language are very much my voice."
Recently, she is gaining attention as a social media influencer enlightening the world of what it truly means to be unapologetically a Deaf girl. There's no stopping Shaylee from pursuing her dreams - playing a suave princess, cunning villain, powerful Jedi, and starring in her own film/TV series. When she's not working or advocating, she dives into a world of painting and drawing. - Actress
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Whitney Meyer is a Deaf actress & figure skater. She was born Deaf and is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. She is also a figure skating instructor & coach; and an advocate on mental health issues & diversity inclusion. She also practices yoga daily; loves to dance; and choreographs for skating & videos. She is active on Twitter & Instagram @itswhitneymeyer.- Actor
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Josh Feldman is an award winning and multiple nominated actor. Josh is best known for his award winning and nominated role of Carter in the Disney movie, "Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups". Josh won the 2013 Young Artist Award for Best Lead Actor and was nominated for Best Lead Young Actor for the 2013 EOTM Awards for his role of Carter. Josh's performance in the Horror film "The Sleepover", gave him his second 2013 Young Artist Award nomination for Best Actor in a short film. In 2014 he is taking on his new role in the Zombie trilogy "Children of the Dead".
Josh's career began with his first theatrical booking going to The Sundance Film Festival. Since then, Josh has enjoyed working on projects such as playing the young Patrick Wilson in the feature film blockbuster "Insidious", television shows like TNT's "The Closer", and ABC's "General Hospital". Josh has appeared in numerous national commercials, music videos and print campaigns. Josh's role in the production of "A Child's Passion", a documentary about children pursuing their dreams and the Lead role in "Was That Me?", a powerful film about kids, relationships and bullying are his first directing, acting and producing venture under his production company Sticky Tape Entertainment.
Charities focusing on children, animals and children's health are all causes that Josh has supported for many years. At the age of 9, Josh created a T shirt that he has sold and donated a portion of the profits to Children's education by giving back directly to elementary schools.- Actor
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Eddie Buck is known for Millstone (2023), The Resilient Larsons (2022) and People Magazine Investigates (2016).- Actor
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Dickie Hearts is known for Tales of the City (2019), High Maintenance (2016) and Grace and Frankie (2015).- Actress
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A Southern California native, Alexis "Lexi" Marman was born on July 9th in Mission Viejo, California. She is the daughter of Kent and Elayne Marman. With a strong theatrical family background, Lexi had developed a love for performing at a very young age. She was discovered by a director at 7 years old at Disneyland and was asked on the spot to be in a Disney commercial. It was there she got her first taste of acting and fell in love. Lexi began performing locally in theatrical and dance productions. At the young age of just 13, she won Saddleback's Youth "Best Actress" award for her performance of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker". She started performing at Disneyland at the age of 17 and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Since then, she has been in several Award winning television shows and films. She was selected to perform in the annual NBC/Universal Showcase three times where she was discovered by several top Agents and Casting Directors. In 2010, Lexi booked a role in NBC's Emmy Award winning show Without A Trace and FOX's Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning show "GLee". In Fall of 2010, Lexi was nominated for "Best Actress" at the 168 Film Festival. Lexi and the cast of the film "Hamill" received the prestigious breakthrough "Audience Award" in the world known AFI Film Festival. Not only beautiful, talented and charismatic, Lexi has the ability to light up a room and possesses that extra special star quality.- Christine Firkins was born on 6 July 1983 in Canada. She is an actress, known for Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) and The X-Files (1993).
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Raquel McPeek Rodriguez is known for NCIS: Los Angeles (2009), Chicago Med (2015) and Don't Look Deeper (2020).- Actor
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John Maucere is an internationally recognized performer who played a critical part in breaking down social stereotypes by being the very first Deaf actor to take part in ABC's Talent Development Program with Tom Hanks and Arsenio Hall. John created and portrayed the SuperDeafy character, a Deaf superhero in a movie, No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie starring Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, which was recently released to rave reviews at the Heartland Film Festival. He appeared on several television shows, including LAW AND ORDER, SOUTHLAND and ABC Family's highest-rated show, SWITCHED AT BIRTH. John toured with the National Theatre of the Deaf, and performed on stage at Deaf West Theatre. He has done sketches at the Hollywood's House of Blues with Eva Longoria and Cheri Oteri and has co-mastered ceremonies with Marlee Matlin and Ken Paves. John performed the National Anthem and America the Beautiful with Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson as a spokesperson for the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and as a featured fan favorite for PepsiCo at the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans. John was the headliner for the sold-out crowd of 4,000 on Royal Caribbean's Deaf Freedom Cruise with Passages Deaf Travel. John has appeared internationally at the Deaflympics, at the New Zealand Comedy Festival, Canada, India and throughout Norway, France and Italy under the famed Teater Manu. John attended Gallaudet University, where he was one of the rally leaders who led Gallaudet through the historic 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) movement. His contribution was recognized in the book "The Week the World Heard Gallaudet," which sparked his lifelong passion to inspire people to believe that Deaf people can do anything.- Actress
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Jody Stevenson is known for The Silent Natural (2019), My Apocalyptic Thanksgiving (2022) and Cafe Coexistence (2009).- Shelley Ann Beattie was born in Orange County, California, where she at the age of three suffered from severe hearing loss due to overdose of aspirins; the overdose caused her to lose all her ability to hear in one ear and reduced her ability to hear by thirty percent in the other. This event changed her life at an early age. She was raised in California until age 11, when she moved to Oregon. While living in Oregon and going to school experienced a number of problems; all due to her hearing deficiency. Because of her hearing problems Shelley had trouble socializing at school since she could not communicate with other classmates who thought she was stupid according to her since she could only understand them only if they were facing her. Because of this Beattie became a loner and soon she began to use sports to deal with her frustrations and lack of social life. She would later learn sign language as well as getting several operations and speech therapy to help her deal with her hearing loss.
In school Beattie began to compete in Heptathlon, Cross Country, Hurdles, and 400 yards field events in which she excelled in every one of such competitions. During this time she developed a specialty for the low hurdles in which she developed an impressive reputation in her school for her mastery of such competition and even making some records in her high school. As a standout in heptathlete and cross country in high school, Shelley enjoyed competing in this event since she felt that she did not need to hear to be good at this event. Beattie began lifting weights at age 14, in order to be more competitive at the hurdles and 400s since she wanted to compete against her male track mates since her female competitors were not competitive enough for her and since she noticed that the men lifted weights to be better on track competitions. Lifting was also a method of rebellion for Shelley who knew she would be looked upon differently by others if she developed her body to look different from other girls, she wanted to achieve this. She first began weight training in a small weight training room that her high school had and soon began to seriously follow a strict training regime at age of 15 and soon began to develop her body.
At the age of 16 suffered a severe track accident when she tripped over a hurdle and twisted her ankle. Beattie believed that she would not be able to continued due to the trauma of the injury. Her family life was characterized by instability which added to her anxiety and frustration causing her teenage years to be covered with personal problems. In order to deal with this problems she focused more on her training and began to write songs and even became the lead singer of a traveling band while in high school. In 1984 Shelley began to attend Western Oregon State College in Monmouth, there she decided to focus on weight training and powerlifting in order to make her body stronger, help her deal with her emotional problems, as well as help her heal her body. There she majored in Child Psychology, Special Education, and also studied Jazz dance and choreography while in college. She also joined a dance company to expand her musical talents. She also choreographed dance routines while learning to fully control and express her emotions through dance. During this time Shelley began to compete as an amateur in bodybuilding competitions. At 124 pounds she entered her first competition, the Portland Rose Cup Novice finishing 4th in the heavy-weight class, after this competition Beattie decided that a career as a professional bodybuilder was for her.
Shelley would continue to compete regularly through the late 80s reaching the top-five of every amateur competition she entered and soon began to win every amateur show she competed in. She soon developed a friendly rivalry with Nikki Fuller who she at many times finished second to at the amateur level. But this would soon changed when Beattie teamed-up with Oregon State exercise and physiology graduate Aaron Shelley in 1989. With him she was able to overcome several obstacles to become a transformed bodybuilder in 1990. With significant improvements in her diet and training she managed to take the overall title at the 1990 NPC Emerald Cup, the pacific Coast Championships, and earned her pro card in bodybuilding at age 22 when she won the overall title at the 1990 NPC USA Championship. Afterwards Beattie continued to train heavily to improve her body and continue to have a competitive, professional status meanwhile she worked two forty-hour-a-week positions as a group home counselor for mentally retarded teenagers. She would often spread her workouts day and night in between jobs. If she received a sponsorship by a fitness company, she would leave one position and follow a more normal training schedule.
During her competitive days as a professional she competed at a height of 5 feet 7 inches in a bodyweight of around 144 pounds and soon became known for her great genetics as well her graceful and artistic presentation while competing. Beattie would often thank her genetics and her physical abilities as well by coming from an athletic family: her mother is six feet tall and athletic while her sister is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 180-pound basketball player at Portland State. After winning the 1990 NPC USA and turning pro she found herself in some problems with the politics of bodybuilding federation known as the IFBB since she was unable to compete at the 1990 Ms. Olympia after the her USA victory. She also was unhappy when some contest promises were not fulfilled. Beattie said, "Certain benefits and reimbursements from the USA that I was supposed to receive have never happened. I have made the proper people so I'm hoping that one day they will fulfill their obligations." After missing the 1990 Ms. Olympia she competed for the first time as a professional for the first time at the 1991 Ms. International where she finished 3rd. The same year she Managed to reach 7th at the Ms. Olympia. The next year in 1992 she added more poise and grace to her physique and presentation and managed to finish 3rd, her highest achievement in her competitive days.
During the early 1990s she also joined the American Gladiators TV show as "Siren" and stayed with them for several seasons. She retired from competition after the 1993 Ms. Olympia contest after placing 7th in that competition. After her retirement from bodybuilding, Beattie competed as a "grinder" on the America³ sailing team (the first all-women's America's Cup team) in this competition she manged the runner-up spot on two different occasions in 1994 and again in 1995. Beattie is probably best known for her years as "Siren" on the American Gladiators TV series. Due to her hearing loss, she received visual cues from referee Larry Thompson as well as from fellow Gladiator, Salina "Elektra" Bartunek, while competing, and spectators would wave at her or stomp their feet (rather than applauding) to acknowledge her performances. She was married to John Romano, a well-known columnist for Muscular Development magazine for six years.
Until her death Shelley lived on her own in Oregon, working with physically impaired people. She also made drums and jewelry, and worked as a personal trainer near her home town.
Shelley Beattie died in Portland, Oregon on February 16, 2008. The cause of her death has not yet been released, however, on the Muscular Development website, Romano writes that Beattie had been "had fallen gravely ill. She fought like the champion she was until she could fight no more, and passed away quietly last week." - Ashley Fiolek was born on October 22, 1990 in Dearborn, Michigan and has been deaf since birth. In August of 1998, the Fiolek family moved to St. Augustine, Florida so Ashley could attend the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, the largest school of this type in the United States. At the school, she studied ballet, ran track, and played basketball. When Fiolek finished eighth grade, her parents decided to begin homeschooling her. Ashley has won 4 Women's Motocross National Championship in the Last 5 years.
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Audree Norton was born in Great Falls, Montana and attended the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet University in 1952. That same year she married Kenneth Norton in Houston, Texas. Her first appearance on television was in the mid-1950s doing live commercials for Royal Crown Cola on a Houston television station. She gave birth to a daughter, Nikki, in 1953; a son, Kurt, in 1954; and another son, Dane, in 1957. In 1967 she was a founding member of the National Theatre of the Deaf and appeared with the company on Broadway, across the United States and around the world. She was the first Deaf actor to appear on an American network television series with her featured appearance in 1968 on the CBS crime drama, "Mannix." She followed that with an appearance on "Family Affair," "A Man and the City," "The Streets of San Francisco" and numerous commercials. In the 1970s she left acting and began teaching media, English and psychology at Ohlone Community College in Fremont, California. She received a Masters in Rhetoric and Public Address from California State University at Hayward in 1976. Audree retired as a Professor Emeritus from Ohlone College in 1992. She was very honored and thrilled to be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Gallaudet University in 2012. She was married to Kenneth Norton for 63 years and she died peacefully in their home in Fremont, California surrounded by her loving family. Audree was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.- Actress
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Alexandria Wailes was born on 27 December 1975 in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. She is an actress and director, known for CODA (2021), Don't Shoot the Messenger (2015) and The Flash (2014).- Actress
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Comedienne, actress, and motivational speaker Kathy Buckley is the author of best selling book, "If You Could See What I Hear". She has been featured in various national magazines, including People, as one of the most touching stories. Kathy has performed both at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and won the Ovation award for her one woman show "Don't Buck With Me".
A sought after motivational speaker, she has inspired people around the world, speaking at corporate events and universities. She has also been recognized by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army for outstanding efforts toward disability employment awareness, and is a key motivational speaker for Anthony Robbins' Life Mastery Classes.
Whether performing in a comedy club, guessing on television, speaking publicly, teaching at camps, or appearing in any number of other settings, Kathy Buckley bears her message that anything can be achieved when the heart and the mind work together. She serves as the national spokesperson for the non-profit organization, "No Limits for Deaf Children" a nationwide theater group, and after school program for low-income families.- Michael Anthony Spady is best known for his lead role in "Hamill" (a movie that received AFI Fest Audience Award for Best Feature Film) and a supporting role in "Sympathy for Delicious" (starring Mark Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis, Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney). Spady is one of the most notable deaf actors currently on screen.
Spady was born in New Rochelle, N.Y. He began acting at the age of nine. He has done numerous plays, including the role of Chief Liem, in the award winning, off Broadway show; Emperor Jones.
In 2001, he was awarded a scholarship to Deaf West's Summer Program in Los Angeles. However, his parents demanded that he returned to N.Y. and complete his college program. Spady received his Bachelors Degree in Business in 2006 from Rochester Institute of Technology. It was the same school that UFC legend Matt Hamill (deaf fighter) attended. However, Spady was not a wrestler; track and field was his sport.
A month after his graduation, Spady was back in California. Since then he has been in a few movies, including: "Sympathy for Delicious" (2010 Sundance Film Festival's Jury Prize Winner) and "Hamill" (AFI Fest Audience Award for Best Feature Film) and a couple of TV shows, such as "Cold Case" and "Love That Girl!". Spady has also done a few commercials and the music video "We Made It" with Busta Rhymes and Linkin Park. Spady recently received a full scholarship at the prestigious Stella Adler School in Hollywood, thanks to his good friend and mentor Mark Ruffalo. - Director
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Lolita Snipes is known for Head Over Heels (2018).- At the age of 17, Igor gritted his teeth and faced a challenging decision: relocating from Southeast Europe, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, to America. He does exactly what he visualizes: committing to having a successful career in the acting world. Despite changing schools multiple times, he struggled to find the right fit, and the persistent feeling of detachment weighed heavily on him for years. His life perspective holds utmost importance to him. Igor often mentions he is over-optimistic thanks to his dad who behaves exactly the same. Born to a Serbian mother and a Hungarian father, he has a younger sister often mistaken for his twin. While Igor primarily uses American Sign Language for communication, he is equally fluent in English, Serbian, and Croatian. He evolves tremendously as a unique artist and can be often found at the beaches in Southern California. Igor firmly believes that confining oneself limits productivity. There are ongoing plans for Igor to become a part of an American family drama television series, confidently expressing his comfort in shedding lots of tears in front of the cameras.
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T.L. Forsberg was born on 8 September 1971 in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is an actress and composer, known for Simone (2009), Out of Step (2002) and La Femme Nikita (1997).- Actress
Maisie Sly was born on 19 March 2011 in Plymouth, Devon, England, UK. She is an actress, known for Listen (2020), The Silent Child (2017) and See Hear (1981).- Actor
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- Vanessa Vaughan is known for Alexander Graham Bell: The Sound and the Silence (1991), Away from Her (2006) and Crazy Moon (1987).
- Allison Gompf is known for Children of a Lesser God (1986). She has been married to Jamie H. Clark since 1989.
- Emmanuelle Laborit was born on 18 October 1971 in Paris, France. She is an actress, known for Retour à la vie (1999), Beyond Silence (1996) and Stille Liebe (2001).
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"I don't use the word 'can't' because I don't believe in limiting myself. I am able. I am capable. I am strong. Never think less of yourself because society expects you to behave a certain way. We decide our own limits. I have chosen to have none." -Amanda McDonough
Amanda McDonough is an experienced SAG/AFTRA actress, published author, and inspirational speaker who communicates fluently in English and American Sign Language. Amanda began acting professionally at the age of 4. As a child, she performed in an extensive list of commercials, plays, and had a guest starring role on the show "Unsolved Mysteries." Ms. McDonough then took a break from Hollywood to focus on her education and graduated from Cal Polly Pomona University with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration, double majoring in International Business and Marketing Management (with an emphasis on Entertainment Marketing). After college she rediscovered her love of acting and storytelling.
Amanda's recent acting credits include: Netflix's "Sweet Magnolia's," ABC's "Speechless," NBC's "Bad Judge," Freeform's "Switched at Birth," Chris Lilly's Pilot series "Just Us Guys," Deaf West/ Pasadena Playhouse's "Our Town" and independent films such as "Keys," "Listen," and "Technicolor Aria." Several of her films have gone on to show in various festivals, like her short film "Lady Electric" which showed at Cannes Film Festival.
Amanda's life story is unique and inspiring and has even been the subject of documentaries such as USC's "Amanda" and radio broadcast stories such as KCRW's "Silence."
In 2018, Amanda McDonough became a published author. Her memoir, "Ready to be Heard: How I Lost My Hearing and Found My Voice," details the true story of how Amanda became Deaf, fought for her independence, and found her purpose. She now also imparts her story of resilience and perseverance on audiences as a motivational speaker. Ms. McDonough travels the world motivating and inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles in their lives and become the hero of their own stories.- Nanci Kendall is known for Children of a Lesser God (1986), Bosom Buddies (1980) and Hollywood Women (1993).
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Tyrone Oraguzie is known for Talk to the Hands (2024), The Strength Within You: Be-YOU-tiful (2017) and The Strength Within You: A Culture of Silence (2019).- Actor
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Ed Waterstreet was born on 5 May 1943 in Algoma, Wisconsin, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Snowbound, Sweet Nothing in My Ear (2008) and The Pretender (1996). He has been married to Linda Bove since 1970.- John F. Cleary is known for Children of a Lesser God (1986), Law & Order (1990) and Sex and the City (1998).
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An award-winning film director who happens to be a deaf trans gay man. Jules earned a Master's of Fine Arts degree in Film Production from the University of Southern California. He has also received a B.A. degree in Television/Cinema at Gallaudet University.
Jules directed the Norwegian Television series, "Møkkakaffe" (Bad Coffee), with numerous music videos and short films under his belt. He has worked with all sorts of talents, from an Oscar-winner, indie actors and well-known musicians.
Jules Dameron is an award-winning deaf trans film & theatre director, working with both deaf and hearing actors. Jules graduated from Gallaudet University with a B.A. in TV/Cinema and then obtained an MFA in Film Production/Directing at the University of Southern California, one of the prestigious film schools in the world. Jules is known for his accomplished works in the film industry.
His filmmaking techniques came from his previous film works such as the music videos Walk the Moon's Different Colors for AT&T, Sean Forbes' Let's Mambo (featuring Marlee Matlin), Lazy Song (Miles Barbee) Rolling in the Deep (Amber Zion), Hero (Sean Berdy), and even Somebody I Used to Know (Azora Telford). He's directed series such as Reverse Polarity (on DPAN.TV) and Don't Shoot the Messenger (YouTube) as well as the television series, Møkkakaffe (NRK) which has aired in Norway nationwide.
In addition, Jules has won Best Director in Mockfest for Crazy Town, starring Sean Young (Blade Runner). Jules has not only worked in the film industry but also has made the crossover to the theatre industry as well. Jules has directed Jordan Harrison's Maple & Vine in New York Deaf Theatre, Acted as Capulet and assisted directed for Ophelia's Jump's Romeo & Juliet, and also acted in prominent roles in Deaf Broadway's virtual plays such as Brad Majors in Rocky Horror Picture Show and Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables. On top of that, Jules has directed a virtual ASL version of Phantom of the Opera for Deaf Antlers, a Canadian-based theatre company. Jules also is looking forward to working with Deaf Austin Theatre, and is slated to direct Moises Kaufman's The Laramie Project in 2023.
Jules is a current co-owner of Hypernovas Productions alongside his talented best friend, Joshua Castille. He also is part of the non-profit organization, Warehouse TV, based in Burbank, California.- Actress
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Martina Bell is an actress, known for Dark Thinker, and The Loved Ones. She was born deaf in Chicago, Illinois. At early age, she developed her interest in acting after she was inspired by watching the famous actress, Katharine Hepburn, in her classic films. She enrolled in Rochester Institution of Technology (RIT) where she studied Graphic Design. During this time period, she has involved in numerous plays, including "A Raisin in the Sun" in which she played a role of Beneatha in NYC, off-Broadway.
Bell moved to California to pursue an acting career in film and television. Lately, she has been involved in independent films; she is very interested in working behind the camera and has been working on a few scripts to develop them for filming.- Composer
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Dame Evelyn Glennie, who was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2007 New Year Honours List, is one of the best-known figures in contemporary British music. An extraordinarily virtuosic percussionist as well as an engaging personality, she has long been subject to considerable media interest.
Touring internationally with her huge array of instruments (the world's first full-time classical percussion soloist), she has played with all the world's major orchestras, consistently winning massive critical acclaim. Her sixteen solo albums (including twelve on the RCA/BMG label) have reached a remarkably diverse public, as have her numerous collaborations with musicians from the non-classical world.
She has performed with Indian, Indonesian and South American traditional musicians, and in the mid-'90s co-wrote and recorded several songs with the Icelandic singer Björk, including the hit single My Spine. Her 2000 solo album Shadow Behind the Iron Sun, produced by acclaimed rock music producer Michael Brauer, entirely comprises studio improvisations by Evelyn.
In addition to her life as a performer and recording artist, Evelyn has established for herself a considerable reputation as a composer for film and television. One of her earliest credits was her music for a series of Tony Kaye-directed TV commercials for Mazda Cars in the mid-'90s - which was so original that it spawned a host of imitations. She was nominated for a BAFTA Award for her music for the first series of Lynda La Plante's ground-breaking crime drama Trial & Retribution (La Plante Productions for ITV), and has gone on to record many subsequent series of the show. Other drama credits include two four-hour versions of Bramwell (Whitby Davison Productions for ITV); and Blind Ambition (Coastal Productions/Yorkshire Television).
Documentary credits include 3BM TV's 4-part study of the history of terrorism, The Age of Terror, produced by Oscar-winning producer Jon Blair and transmitted on the Discovery Channel to coincide with the first anniversary of the September 11th outrage. She also composed the title music for two series of the BBC's Soundbites, which she herself presented.
In 1999 Evelyn scored her first feature film, The Trench, a First World War drama written and directed by the novelist William Boyd. In 2004 Evelyn collaborated with the film-maker Thomas Riedelsheimer on his film Touch the Sound. Described as "A Sound Journey With Evelyn Glennie", the film explores the phenomenon of sound as Evelyn experiences it, in her life and work, and contains much original music by Evelyn, some co-written with the renowned guitarist Fred Frith. The soundtrack has been released by Normal Records.
Evelyn has created a number of tracks for the library music company Audio Network PLC- Charlie Chaplin - Film Industry Pioneer and Deaf Influenced? Deaf Friend and Prominent Artist Granville Redmond played a vital role in influencing Chaplin's performances
Mention the name Charlie Chaplin and all but the youngest of us will instantly conjure up this wonderful comic film character who, through silent movies, brought meaning and entertainment to the masses. Put the name Granville Redmond into the mix and few people will have knowledge about the enormously influential role this artist/actor had on Chaplin's performances.
With his mother committed to a mental asylum when he was 14, Chaplin began looking for opportunities at music halls, finding work as a stage actor and comedian. Aged just 19, he began work for the the prestigious Fred Karno company, a contract that took him to America and to the fame and stardom that followed.
Admired by Chaplin for his natural expressiveness, he and Granville became life-long friends and whilst he continued painting, Granville began teaching Chaplin sign language, finger-spelling, pantomime routines and the communication techniques that Chaplin went on to use so successfully in his films. Such was his respect for Granville that Chaplin went on to use him in several of his films as well as sponsoring him in other silent acting roles. - Camera and Electrical Department
- Georgia Ann Cline was born on 11 December 1965. She is an actress, known for Children of a Lesser God (1986).
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Liz Tannebaum is known for What Women Want (2000), No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie (2013) and What? (2021).- Director
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A M.F.A. graduate from the American Film Institute Conservatory, Jevon Whetter is a seasoned veteran of the stage and screen with significant roles in front of and behind the camera in over thirty productions.
Jevon is a 2019 Producers Guild of America Power of Diversity Master Workshop Fellow, and his feature film screenplay, Flash Before The Bang, was selected for the 2019 Writers Guild of America Disability Scene, the 2018 Film Independent Producing Lab, 2020 Film Independent Fast Track program and is a recipient of the 2019 SFFilm Rainin-Grant award. He is a California Humanities grant recipient for documentary film, "Live at the Deaf Club".
Jevon works as an educator, producer, writer, and director for numerous stage and film projects in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife, Kimberly, and son, Robert.- Actor
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Is well known for "Campus Nightmares" (Gallaudet Murders) as Eric Plunkett. David is a Deaf actor. He was raised in Louisiana. He moved to New York where he attended Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute of Technical college. He was member for NTID Drama Club in 2004 to 2005, then promoted him to President of NTID Drama Club 2006 to 2008. He had to leave since he won the election to become an NTID Student Congress (NSC) 2008 to 2009. He was involved in NTID Performing Arts and took courses. He was an extra in Sophomore, The Hammer "Matt Hamill", My Funny Valentine and In Security.
He was in Contracted movie for "Customer". The Web series he was in Apple Pie Day With The Tone It Up Girls and No Business Like. He attended the event "Undercurrent" for fund-raising fund red carpet, Director by Adam Radly. Also, He is an background extra as Carlton High School student for "Switched at Birth" Tv Series in ABC Family.
Blood on the Dance Floor "Rise and Shine" Official music video is his first time to involved in the music, he was an high school student in the music video. The official music video is in youtube, the view is get BIG HIT by 1,752,202 now directed by Rage Resteghini.- Ashley Quirico is known for What Women Want (2000).
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Robert DeMayo is known for Universal Signs (2008), No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie (2013) and Sign with Robert (2015).- Kay Oldfather-Daigle is known for What? (2021), Switched at Birth (2011) and My Favorite Things (2023).
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Bernard Bragg was born on 27 September 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He was an actor, known for Simone (2009), ...and Your Name Is Jonah (1979) and NBC Experiment in Television (1967). He died on 29 October 2018 in Los Angeles, USA.- Paula Corday was born on 20 October 1920 in Tahiti. She was an actress, known for The Exile (1947), The Falcon in San Francisco (1945) and Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946). She was married to Harold Nebenzal. She died on 23 November 1992 in Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- William D. Byrd was born on 3 May 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. He was an actor, known for Children of a Lesser God (1986), A Man Called Hawk (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1987). He died on 21 July 1993 in Inglewood, California, USA.
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Garrett Zuercher is a internationally-recognized Deaf actor, playwright, and director. A magna cum laude graduate from Marquette University where he studied both Theatre and Creative Writing, his work has been seen on stages and screens around the world. His play, QUID PRO QUO, which he both wrote and directed, won national awards and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Currently, he is based in New York City.- Billy Seago is known for ...and Your Name Is Jonah (1979).
- Modela Kurzet was born Deaf to Deaf parents, Family emigrated to Canada in 1983 and settled in Toronto . Modela was first role student movie " Children of a Lesser God " 1986 and " Bridge to Silence " 1989 . She then took acting classes at the New School of Drama, and later took further training as an actor at Granton Institute of Technology. Her working life has been focused almost entirely on an acting career , both in film and on videotape, often working on projects related to Deafness. In 1986 she acted as anecdotist or spokeswoman, for the Canadian Hearing Society's production of the video Deaf Communication. Modela served as youth leader and instructor for the Signs of Summer Program directed by Michele Pinet for A Show of Hands Theatre Company. In 2000 she was lead actor in the videotape Interacting with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, directed by Larry Fugate for the Los Angeles Police Department to be used as a visual aid in Its training program. The Toronto Association of the Deaf and City of Los Angeles awarded Modela a certificate of appreciation and thanks for her valuable efforts and support .
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Maleni Chaitoo is a native Chelsea, New Yorker who has a long-standing passion for performing arts. Her parents are immigrants of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies - accustoming her to Indian and British-Caribbean cultures.
When she was 2 and half years old, she was captivated by a ballet performance at her older sister's recital. It was then that she fell in love with dance - finding the physical movement and facial expressions akin to that of signing. She was enthusiastic to take dance classes despite the skepticism of her mother who felt that her deafness was a hindrance to learning how to dance ballet. Fortunately, a ballet teacher encouraged her to pursue dancing and put her in the front row of her class. After a few weeks of rehearsals, she was ready to perform on stage. To her mother's surprise, the audience cheered with great enthusiasm and commended her performance. This was the beginning of a life-long passion for the arts.
At the age of 3, she became involved in numerous theatrical plays and dance performances facilitated by her school. She studied various dance styles such as tap, modern, and jazz at The Hudson Guid Theater Arts After School Program and National Institute of Dance. At age 8, she played the leading role, Dorothy, in her in school's production of the Wizard of Oz. A year later she played Tinkerbell in Peter Pan. At age 11, she wrote her first script, and single-handedly directed her 6th grade school's production of Pee Wee Goes to the Head of Class. Her foray into the performing arts was expanding as she explored directing, acting and production.
In high school, her involvement and passion for the arts persisted spending a summer at Gallaudet University where she studied performing arts and Native American Culture in the Young Scholars Program. She was the second runner up and gained accolade for her talent performance "The Root of Hate Will Melt Away" in the National Association of the Deaf Miss Junior Pageant. In her senior year at Lexington School for the Deaf she played the leading role, Lucy, in her school's production of the "The Invisible Friend.' - and received the high school senior theatre arts award.
In college, she received a special recognition award for her role of the Minstrel in her university's production of "The Price and the Pauper" from the theatre arts department. She continued to pursue and excel in performing arts throughout her time at Gallaudet where she ultimately earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration.
In addition to her avid involvement in theatre, Maleni has explored many professional contexts including business, technology, media, art and political sectors. Her versatile experiences have lended themselves well to her ability to play different characters and embrace a myriad of fulfilling opportunities in the performing arts.- Actor
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- Philip Holmes was born on December 20th 1976 in Newcastle Upon Tyne but moved to Penrith, Cumbria when just a few months old. His Cousin Gary Gilchrist is also an actor starting in films such as Rob Roy, Gladiator and Chariots of Fire.
Philip is now a qualified Electrician and lives back in the North-East of England. - Tami Lee Santimyer is known for The Gift (2011), Walking with Herb (2021) and Celebrity Ghost Stories (2008).
- Chuck Baird is known for Versa Effect (2011) and The Legend of the Mountain Man (2008).