Troy Kotsursays he has seen Deaf representation improving in Hollywood since starring in Oscar-winning filmCODA.
At PEOPLE’s 2024SAG AwardsRed Carpet Pre-Show on Saturday, Kotsur (who took home a SAG Award in 2022 for portraying deaf fisherman Frank Rossi) said he has seen Hollywood “begin to open their doors” sinceCODAfirst hit theaters.
“In general, you know, I’ve really seen some improvements and some doors beginning to open, like [the Marvel series]Echo. And some folks have told me that there’s a big production coming up with a deaf director, deaf producers and deaf actors,” Kotsur, 55, told PEOPLE.
“I’m seeing more and more projects come in, and so really I have seen a lot of change,” he continued. “It doesn’t happen overnight, it does take time.”
Troy Kotsur and Deanne Bray at the 2024 SAG Awards.David Fisher/Shutterstock
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Kotsur also said “we all have to work together and understand how to work together,” adding, “There’s nothing about us without us.”
The Oscar-winning actor, who is set to present at the SAG Awards, attended the ceremony with his wife, actress Deanne Bray, who also chimed in on the conversation about Deaf representation.
“So I’m really grateful for that,” she added.
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Troy Kotsur at the 2022 SAG Awards.Rich Fury/Getty
At the 2022 SAG Awards, Kotsur not only took home an award for hisCODArole, but alsobecame the first deaf male actor to win a solo SAG Award.
Ahead of the 2022 Oscars, whereCODAwon best picture, Kotsur told PEOPLE that those who recognize his work are “beautiful people” wholook at him “not as a deaf person, but as an artist who happens to be deaf.”
“So I really appreciate this cultural shift and people willing to change their perspective,” he added.
source: people.com
