Troy Kotsur is the primary male deaf actor to be nominated for an Academy Award.
MESA, Ariz. — Valley native Troy Kotsur made movie historical past Tuesday by turning into the primary male deaf actor to be nominated for an Academy Award.
The 53-year-old alumni of Mesa’s Westwood Excessive College earned a nomination for his supporting position in “CODA,” a coming-of-age movie a few woman with deaf mother and father.
Kotsur advised Leisure Tonight he was “blessed” and “overwhelmed” to be nominated for his efficiency after spending a few years struggling as an actor.
Marlee Matlin, who was the primary feminine deaf actor to earn an Oscar nomination in 1987 for “Youngsters of a Lesser God,” performed Kotsur’s spouse in “CODA.”
“Very proud and blissful for my costar,” Matlin wrote on Twitter after Tuesday’s announcement of the Oscar nominations.
Kotsur has moreover earned reward on social media from White Home Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who’s a fan of his movie work.
In line with a 2003 interview with the East Valley Tribune, Kotsur caught the performing bug whereas attending the Phoenix Day College for the Deaf in his youth.
A drama trainer at Westwood Excessive inspired Kotsur to pursue his ambitions and carry out on stage.
“Wanting again after I was little, I actually loved my journey,” Kotsur advised the Tribune. “Going through many obstacles made me a stronger particular person.”
Kotsur’s brothers, Brian and Kevin, labored for public security businesses across the Valley. Their father, Leonard Kotsur, had been Mesa’s police chief.
Kotsur went on to intern at a information station in Phoenix earlier than learning theater at Gallaudet College. He later appeared in productions at Los Angeles’ Deaf West Theatre.
Locals will get to seek out out if Kotsur takes house the large award on March 27 throughout the 94th Academy Awards ceremony.
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