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It’s possible thatTroy Kotsurhas not stopped smiling since Feb. 8, the day this year’s Oscar nominations were announced.
On that day, theCODAstar, 53, received a Best Supporting Actor nod for his moving performance and made history as the first deaf male actor to receive an Oscar nomination. (The first deaf female actress nominated was his costarMarlee Matlinin 1987, who is the only deaf winner).
Speaking to PEOPLE via interpreter Justin Maurer, the actor says he jumped for joy when he saw the news.
“I was on FaceTime with my wife [Deanne Bray, 50], because we were both in different states,” recalls Kotsur. “We both jumped up and down and I hugged my cell phone. Of course I would prefer to do that in person, but it was really nice to celebrate with my wife simultaneously in that moment because she’s been such an important part of my life and given me so much support. That moment was really important to me.”
Kotsur says that his journey withCODA(an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults) has been a dream come true. In the film, he plays a deaf fisherman opposite Matlin, who plays his wife. They rely on their hearing daughter to interpret for them. Kotsur says he’s received wonderful reactions to the film from the deaf community and is proud to represent it alongside Matlin, who for a long time was considered a lone pioneer for deaf actors.
Courtesy Apple
“Marlee has been my mentor,” he says. “She was alone for many years. I understand what Marlee went through and I’m more than happy to support her. And so now I’m becoming more familiar with the industry and all the politics through my experience of the last 30 years. So, I think now I can support Hollywood in opening their mind to gain a new perspective.”
Although success has come later in life, Kotsur’s attraction to storytelling began as a kid.
AfterCODA, Kotsur will soon begin production on the filmFlash Before the Bang, based on the real story of an all-deaf high school track and field team, where he will star with eight young deaf actors. And for those interested in seeing some of Kotsur’s work, he personally recommends three other projects.
Looking ahead tothe Oscarson March 27, Kotsur hopes he’ll be able to attend in-person with his wife and daughter Kyra, 16.
“I would definitely love to bring my wife and my daughter if I can, if it works out that way,” he says. “My wife has always been there to support me through 25 years. I’ve struggled as an actor and I feel like she really deserves to be with me there. This is all new for us but we’re so excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”
source: people.com
