Millicent Simmonds
Millicent ‘Millie’ Simmonds is one of the
greatest inspirations to the deaf children today.
This young lady, born in Utah, became deaf
from a medicine overdose when she was just
12 months old, but never let her impairment
slow her down. She was fortunate to have a very
supportive family. Her mother learned American
Sign Language and taught the family so they
could communicate with her.
A Gifted Girl
Millie, who read the experimental mystery novel
Wonderstruck, received news of open casting for the
film adaptation from her former drama teacher and
competed with over 250 others to audition for the
role. She landed the role of a young, deaf runaway in
the 1920s. The illustrious Julianne Moore played her
mother. The film was originally released at Cannes
and won Millicent a number of award nominations.
PVR MOVIES FIRST
RISING STAR
hope seeing
people like me on screen
inspires more people to
chase their own dreams.
I’m an actress. I’m also
deaf. I like to read. There’s
a lot more to me than
just being deaf.
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