Troy Kotsur

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 the Tony Award-winning play "Big River," and numerous memorable roles on television. His profound impact is notably marked by his historic win as the first deaf man in Academy history to secure an Oscar for his performance in "CODA."

Kotsur has garnered significant recognition for his leading role in the 2021 feature "CODA," for which he won numerous awards including an Oscar, a BAFTA, a SAG Award, an Indie Spirit Award, a Critics Choice Award, and a Gotham Award. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award among other accolades. His performance is credited as one of the primary reasons for the feature's festival success, leading to its $25 million sale to Apple.

In television, Kotsur made headlines in 2019 for his acting role in "The Mandalorian" on Disney+. Along with acting, he also choreographed an adapted form of sign language for the series. He has appeared in other notable television roles including "Criminal Minds," "Scrubs," "CSI: NY," and a recurring character on PAX’s "Sue Thomas: FB-Eye." Additionally, he directed the film "No Ordinary Hero" and is currently collaborating with Signing Animation for the upcoming film "Flash Before the Bang."

Much of Kotsur's success has stemmed from his highly respected career on stage, which includes performances in Deaf West Theatre productions such as "Cyrano," "Of Mice and Men," and "A Streetcar Named Desire." His work in Deaf West’s "Spring Awakening" earned him a nomination for an LA Drama Circle Critics Award. He continues to advocate for the inclusion of the deaf and disabled communities in the arts and beyond.