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British actress Millie Bobby Brown, renowned for her role as "Eleven" in 'Stranger Things', was born with partial hearing loss in one ear, which gradually progressed to complete loss over the years. Despite being unable to fully hear herself while performing, Brown has not allowed her hearing impairment to hinder her remarkable career and continues to shine in her roles.
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Late-night host Stephen Colbert has been deaf in his right ear since childhood due to a surgery during elementary school. Despite the loss of hearing, Colbert humorously incorporates his uniquely shaped ear into a playful party trick.
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An Oscar-winning actress, Marlee Matlin is widely recognized for her role in 'Children of a Lesser God' (1986) and 'CODA' (2021). Deaf since childhood, Matlin has not only conquered Hollywood but also advocates for the rights of people with hearing disabilities.
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Sean Berdy, a deaf actor, is recognized for his role in the TV series 'Switched at Birth' and the film 'The Sandman.' Berdy's engaging performances and advocacy work have made him a beloved figure in the deaf community.
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'Glee' star and comedic actress Jane Lynch has been deaf in her right ear for nearly her entire life, likely due to a high fever during infancy. Until the age of 7, Lynch believed people only heard through their left ear, until her brother revealed he could hear from both ears, shedding light on her own hearing condition.
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Katie Leclerc, who has Meniere's disease and partial hearing loss, is known for her role in the TV series 'Switched at Birth.' She has used her platform to raise awareness about hearing-related issues and promote inclusivity in the industry.
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Troy Kotsur made history by becoming the first deaf male actor to receive an Academy Award for his role in 'CODA' (2021). His powerful performances continue to pave the way for deaf actors in the film industry.
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Known for her roles in 'Weeds' and 'Supernatural,' Shoshannah Stern is a deaf actress and writer. She has been a vocal advocate for deaf representation and inclusion, pushing for more opportunities for deaf actors in the mainstream media.
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Halle Berry, the groundbreaking first black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress, experienced a nearly 80% hearing loss in her left ear due to a head injury from a domestic violence incident in a past abusive relationship. Now, Berry is a vocal advocate, using her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact.
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At 51, former President Bill Clinton, in office in 1997, began using completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids due to progressive hearing loss. His difficulty in crowded spaces stemmed from a combination of age-related factors and prolonged exposure to loud music during his youth in a band.
In the realm of entertainment, deaf and hard-of-hearing actors are breaking barriers and reshaping the industry. Their talent transcends auditory boundaries, inspiring audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse representation on screen.
Click trough to see 10 deaf and hard-of-hearing actors who have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.