Top 10 Best Portrayals of Being Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Set in a future where aliens roam the earth and the human survivors must live in silence in order to avoid detection, “A Quiet Place” was the breakout horror movie of 2018. A Deaf Actress named Millicent Simmonds plays Regan in the franchise. She uses American Sign Language and lip-reading throughout. Seeing her family communicate with her was great for representation by itself. At the same time, watching Regan boldly tackle the world with courage and determination was incredible to see. Her character plays a significant role in turning the tide against alien invaders during the franchise. And since Simmonds also helped teach her co-stars how to sign, she’s been a great influence in real and fictional worlds.

The team behind this animated Netflix series set out to create an inclusive fantasy world. Fan-favorite General Amaya is a great example of representation done right. Amaya is a Deaf woman who communicates through American Sign Language. She is the aunt and protector of central characters, Princes Callum and Ezran, commander of an outpost and the kingdom’s most trusted ally. Her loyal friend and deputy Commander Gren translates for the audience. While her deafness is integral to her character, it’s not depicted as a weakness and she is never treated as an inferior because of it. She’s simply just a powerful and well rounded character.

In 2020, Shoshannah Stern became the first deaf doctor on long-running medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” The showrunners invited the actress into the writing room to help Dr. Lauren Riley felt authentic and realistic. Her character was created to be someone who is the best in her field not in spite of her deafness, but because of it. As well as lip-reading, Dr. Riley uses American Sign Language and communicates with patients and other staff via an interpreter on a tablet. The character was popular with fans and real hard of hearing medical professionals. While she may be the first deaf doctor on a network show, we have a feeling she won’t be the last.

A re-make of French film “La Famille Bélier”, “CODA” follows a girl from a working-class fishing family whose parents and brother are culturally Deaf. The film explores the experience of being a ‘Child of Deaf Adults” and Ruby’s growing ambition to study music. Oscar winning actress Marlee Matlin plays Ruby's mother. She fought for deaf actors to be cast in the principal roles. Daniel Durant’s Leo was fantastic and Troy Kotsur’s Frank drew Golden Globe buzz. “CODA” was praised for its performances and the nuanced depiction of the deaf characters. They’re small business owners that are also flawed, funny and very…physically active people. And after you see Ruby singing for her father in the film’s most touching scene, you’ll fall in love with this family.

Rose Ayling-Ellis was the first ever deaf contestant on this star-studded dance competition. She carried away the glitterball trophy in a year of strong competition. Known for her role on long-running London soap, “Eastenders”, Rose also uses British Sign Language. Throughout the show, an interpreter translates for her. While she originally kept time in her dances by counting, she grew in confidence and simply followed her dance partner, Giovanni, while feeling the music. Rose taught Gio some Sign in return that helped with training and was even incorporated into their routines. For their ‘Couple’s Choice’ dance, they included a section in silence to give the audience a glimpse into Rose’s world. Rose’s stunning season on “Strictly Come Dancing” gave us a new and unforgettable perspective.

Based on Helen’s autobiography and the play by William Gibson, “The Miracle Worker” stars Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. This classic biographical drama tells the story of Deaf and blind author and disability rights activist Helen Keller and her close friendship with teacher Anne Sullivan. Anne taught Helen to read, speak and understand language by using methods like spelling out letters on her hands. Although the journey forward is difficult, Anne keeps breaking down communication barriers to help Anne make sense of the world. Both lead actresses won an Oscar apiece for their roles. And the breakthrough scene where Helen first understands the word ‘water’ is still as iconic and moving today as it was when it was released.

This ABC drama following two ‘switched at birth’ teens was celebrated for featuring multiple hard of hearing regular actors like leading lady Katie Leclerc and her best friend Sean Berdy. After Daphne Vaquez and Bay Kennish realize they were switched at birth, their two families are brought together. Their union leads to a bit of culture clash because of Daphne’s experiences with hearing loss. She communicates in ASL and attends a deaf school. Both girls battle with their identities. At the same time, the families find it difficult not to judge the choices made for their biological kids. Ultimately, they embrace each other and the Kennishs’ gradual use of sign-language becomes the norm. It’s great to see a teen show highlight an underrepresented community.

Since becoming the first and only Deaf Oscar winner at age 21, Marlee Matlin has grown into probably the most prolific deaf actor of recent years. She had roles in critically acclaimed movies such as “CODA”. Matlin was a series regular on “Switched at Birth” and memorably played (x ref) as Joey Lucas in “The West Wing.” The film in which she made her name was the eighties romantic drama “Children of a Lesser God”. During the story, a Deaf woman working as a janitor and a teacher fall in love despite their conflicting ideas. Admittedly, the reception of the film from the community it was representing was mixed. But most would agree that it was an important step forward.

While the original ‘Makkari’ was a hearing white man, the role was played by a Deaf woman of color in 2021’s “Eternals”. Lauren Ridloff was a revelation as Marvel’s first deaf superhero. Makkari has superhuman speed and strength because she is one of the immortal eternals who was tasked with protecting humans from the relentless Deviants. Throughout the film, she’s presented as one of the funniest and mischievous members of the cast. In the wake of her appearance, there were reports that 250% more people searched how to learn sign language. Laruen Ridloff, who’s been deaf from birth, was blown away by the positive response to the character. She definitely deserves every ounce of credit for her fantastic superhero debut.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Saori Hayami as Shouko Nishimiya, “A Silent Voice: The Movie” (2016)
An Award-Winning Animation With a Deaf Character in a Starring Role

Gabriella, “The Little Mermaid TV Series” (1992-94)
A Deaf Latina Mermaid Who Communicates in ASL Was Extremely Welcome

Deanne Bray as Sue Thomas, “Sue Thomas: F B. Eye” (2002-05)
A Drama Based on the Real Experiences of a Deaf FBI Agent

Santa Signs for Sammy, “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
The Most Touching Scene in This Classic Christmas Movie

Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone, “Sound of Metal” (2019)
A Critically Acclaimed Film About a Drummer Who Loses His Hearing

This Oscar winning British short film was written by and stars Rachel Shenton. It follows Libby, the youngest child in a hearing family. She lives a life of silence until a social worker begins to teach her sign language. Deaf actress Maisie Sly gives a heartbreaking performance as the child branded as difficult and sullen. While she comes alive when given that much needed attention, her support system is removed by parents who fail to fully understand her needs. The short ends with the statistics that 78% of deaf children attend mainstream school without specialist support in place. Its plea for sign-language to be recognised in schools was tremendous. But none of it would’ve worked without Shenton’s complex portrayal of a Deaf character.