International Sign Language Day 2026: 7 Deaf Actors Who Changed The Way Cinema Tells Stories

International Sign Language Day 2026 is observed every year on September 23, a day that marks the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951. For decades, deaf characters were portrayed as comic relief in movies, but some actors changed that narrative. From Oscar-winning historic moments to superhero blockbusters, check these deaf actors who changed the way cinema showed hearing imparement.

7 Deaf Actors Who Changed The Way Cinema Tells Stories

From Marlee Matlin to Shoshannah Stern, these deaf actors who changed the way cinema showed hearing imparement.

1. Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin is the first deaf actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress. She bagged the honour for her film 'Children of a Lesser God' in 1987 when she was only 21. She remains the only deaf actress to achieve this milestone.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Marlee Matlin (@themarleematlin)

2. Troy Kotsur

Troy Kotsur is also the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for CODA (2022). He is also the first deaf actor in the Star Wars universe, creating Tusken Sign Language for The Mandalorian.

 

 

 

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3. Daniel Durant

Daniel Durant also worked in CODA, and his breakthrough starring role was as Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway revival of Spring Awakening.

 

 

 

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4. Lauren Ridloff

Lauren Ridloff is the first deaf superhero in the MCU, as Makkari in Eternals (2021), and also played Connie in The Walking Dead. She was praised for her performance in the MCU and was the highlight of the film.

 

 

 

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5. Rose Ayling-Ellis

Rose Ayling-Ellis is also the first deaf contestant and winner of Strictly Come Dancing UK (2021). She further played Frankie in EastEnders and brought sign language to primetime TV, and won a BAFTA.

 

 

 

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6. Millicent Simmonds

Millicent Simmonds is the star of A Quiet Place and its sequel. Her casting brought authentic Deaf perspective to a mainstream horror franchise, and she was lauded for her intense performance.

 

 

 

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7. Shoshannah Stern

Shoshannah Stern is the first deaf actor to lead a primetime series, where he played Dr. Lauren Riley in Grey's Anatomy spin-off and Bonnie in Jericho. She is also the also writer/creator of This Close, which became the first show created by Deaf creators.

 

 

 

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ALSO READ- 5 Indian Sign Language Signs You Must Know For Everyday Communication

These seven actors proved that sign language is beautiful and that deaf stories are important. On International Sign Language Day 2026, their stories remind us that cinema is for everyone, and everyone deserves to be seen and heard, even in silence. 

(Image Credits: Instagram)
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