Millicent Simmonds

Millicent Simmonds (born March 6, 2003, in Bountiful, Utah) is a deaf American actress celebrated for her performances in films such as Wonderstruck (2017) and A Quiet Place (2018) . She lost her hearing at two months old due to a medication overdose. Raised in a family that embraced American Sign Language (ASL), Simmonds developed a strong connection with her community and culture. Her early education at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf and participation in drama clubs laid the foundation for her acting career. Her breakout role in Wonderstruck earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. In 2023, she made her Broadway debut in the play Grey House, showcasing her versatility as an actress .Hollywood Life+15+15Healthy Celeb+15

Beyond her acting career, Simmonds is a passionate advocate for the deaf community and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the importance of representation, stating, "But I don't think that deaf people always have to play a deaf role. I think we can play different roles. We need to see more diversity period. More people of color. More disabled people. More gender diversity. All kinds of diversity" . Her advocacy extends to practical initiatives, such as collaborating on the design of a face mask with a transparent panel to facilitate lip-reading, which was produced in partnership with fair-trade fashion brand Rafi Nova .BrainyQuote+1

Notable Quotes by Millicent Simmonds:

"But I don't think that deaf people always have to play a deaf role. I think we can play different roles. We need to see more diversity period. More people of color. More disabled people. More gender diversity. All kinds of diversity."

"When I was younger I didn't want to hang around with anyone. But now I feel so comfortable. I convey my thoughts, my emotions, I can communicate better, I have a better understanding of the world. Now I have a sense of purpose. It makes me think a lot more about things."

"I'm happy being deaf. I'm happy with my life and my family."

"There will always be people who won't accept you, but there are others you can find who will. You're never alone."

"My advice for young people is to just be yourself. There's no pressure. Do what you want to do. And if you want to do something, then go after it and make it happen."