From his historic Oscar win for CODA to his active role in advocating for profound industry transformation, Troy Kotsur continues to be a pivotal force for deaf representation, recently taking on groundbreaking roles like a mobster in Netflix’s Black Rabbit while tirelessly championing broader opportunities for the deaf community in film and television.
In 2022, Troy Kotsur carved his name into Hollywood history, becoming the first male deaf actor to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his unforgettable performance in CODA. This victory was not merely a personal triumph but a landmark moment for the deaf community, signaling a long-awaited shift in mainstream recognition. The film itself, a poignant family drama centered on a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), also swept the Best Picture award, amplifying its powerful message across the globe.
Kotsur’s win ignited conversations about diversity and inclusion that continue to echo through the industry. Two years later, at 57, he reflects on the journey so far, acknowledging the progress while steadfastly reminding us that “improvement doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow transformation that takes time,” as he exclusively shared with People. His ongoing commitment to fostering genuine change has positioned him not just as an award-winning actor, but as a tireless advocate for a future where deaf stories and talent are fully embraced.
The Power of CODA and Its Cultural Resonance
CODA introduced audiences to the Rossi family, a deaf fishing family in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with Ruby (Emilia Jones) as their only hearing member. Kotsur played the patriarch, Frank Rossi, alongside Marlee Matlin as his wife and Daniel Durant as his son, both also deaf. The film sensitively explored the intricate dynamics and communication bridges within the family, especially Ruby’s role as the link to the hearing world. The term CODA, representing a child of deaf adults, became more widely understood, showcasing a rich cultural life often overlooked.
Kotsur himself, deaf since birth, resonated deeply with the film’s themes. He described his Oscar win as a moment to dedicate to the deaf and disabled community, as well as the CODA community, aiming to make them “feel seen and recognized.” He passionately expressed his hope for “more diversity and more storytelling in Hollywood in the future,” a sentiment that resonated profoundly with fans and advocates worldwide. The film’s critical success, including three Oscars—Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor—proved that authentic deaf narratives could achieve mainstream adoration and critical acclaim.
A Journey Paved with Perseverance
Before his global recognition, Kotsur dedicated over 35 years to honing his craft primarily on the theater stage. As he explained in an interview with Q with Tom Power, the biggest barrier for deaf actors was, and often remains, the communication gap. Relying on American Sign Language, Kotsur navigated an industry not always equipped to accommodate or understand deaf talent. His extensive work with deaf theaters and collaborations with hearing actors who had no prior experience with deaf performers were crucial in developing his versatile skills.
“I was working for over 35 years developing my craft, working with different directors, actors, writers,” Kotsur shared. This deep experience laid the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough in film and television, demonstrating a resilience and dedication that ultimately led him to the Oscar stage. His acceptance speech notably highlighted the importance of these foundational deaf theater experiences, which provided the access and opportunities often missing in mainstream productions.
“A Slow Transformation”: Post-Oscar Advocacy
Since his monumental win, the landscape for Troy Kotsur has dramatically shifted. Where he once had to actively pursue auditions, offers and scripts now come to him. This newfound leverage has allowed him to transition from solely being an actor to an active participant in shaping Hollywood’s future for the deaf community. Kotsur has embraced a hands-on advocacy role, engaging in numerous meetings with industry leaders and creatives.
His discussions focus on practical improvements: “how to work with deaf actors, how to work with [American Sign Language] consultants, dialogue coaches and interpreters,” he elaborated. Kotsur’s vision extends beyond himself, aiming to ensure that “deaf actors in the future have opportunities. Not only actors but directors, writers, you name it.” This holistic approach underscores his belief that true inclusivity requires systemic change across all facets of filmmaking.
Breaking New Ground: Black Rabbit and Beyond
Kotsur’s latest endeavor, Netflix’s Black Rabbit, showcases his commitment to expanding the types of roles available to deaf actors. In this series, he portrays Joe Mancuso, a “vicious mobster,” a stark departure from the heartwarming father figure of CODA. This role is a deliberate step to demonstrate the versatility of deaf talent. “I’m sure folks in the audience have really never seen a mobster who happens to be deaf. It was really fun and exciting for me to create this character,” Kotsur shared with People.
He hopes this role will “open up new roles in the future,” emphasizing that “We’re not just actors who use sign language, we’re characters and we can play all different types of characters.” This sentiment perfectly aligns with fan desires for more complex and varied portrayals of deaf individuals, moving beyond stereotypes to showcase the full range of human experience. His diverse filmography already includes guest roles in popular series such as:
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- The Mandalorian
- Criminal Minds
- Season 3 of Foundation
Looking ahead, Kotsur is also set to star alongside Maika Monroe and Helen Hunt in the upcoming movie In Cold Light.
A Vision for the Future: Telling Untold Stories
Kotsur’s new chapter is not just about taking on diverse roles, but actively seeking to illuminate overlooked histories. He expresses a strong desire to play historical deaf figures, recognizing the “rich treasure trove” of stories waiting to be told. His examples are fascinating: a deaf boxer, an inventor who developed technology for the deaf, and even the deaf community’s role in creating the football huddle. These anecdotes highlight a vibrant, often hidden history that Kotsur hopes to bring to the big screen, correcting the widespread “oblivion” to these contributions.
For the fan community, this promise of bringing historical deaf figures to life is particularly exciting, offering the chance to discover inspiring true stories and deepen understanding of deaf culture. Kotsur believes that films like CODA are “perfect” for connecting the deaf and hearing worlds, demonstrating that deaf people “work hard, they have fun, they love their family, and, of course, they go through struggles.” His journey continues to be a powerful testament to breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and creating a Hollywood that truly reflects the diverse tapestry of humanity.
