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| Troy Kotsur, Oscar winner of the best supporting actor for his role in "CODA," poses in the press room at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, March 27. AP-Yonhap |
'CODA' actor named honorary ambassador of World Federation of the Deaf 2023 congress
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Oscar-winning actor Troy Kotsur suggested that deaf actors follow their dreams and passion, saying they deserve more opportunities. During his visit to Korea on the occasion of being named the promotional ambassador of the 19th World's Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), he talked about his long road to stardom.
"Throughout my career, I've gone through many trials and tribulations. In the past, I faced financial struggles and had communication issues with fellow cast members. Most of all, it was really hard to break into the mainstream. However, I somehow managed to grab an opportunity and break the barrier as a deaf actor," he said in sign language during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday.
The actor made history as the first deaf man to win an Oscar for his performance in 2021's "CODA," which tells the story of a family of four, all of which are deaf except for the teenage daughter. He also won a BAFTA award, SAG award and Critics' Choice Award for best supporting role for the same film.
Kotsur talked about how winning the awards changed the course of his life.
"Before I won the awards, I was an obscure actor. After starring in CODA, I've been approached by lot of producers and directors. This shows a cultural shift in Hollywood," he said. "I want to tell all the people in the movie industry ― the writers, directors and producers ― that deaf actors are just as capable as hearing actors if given equal opportunities."
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| Actor Troy Kotsur poses after being named the honorary ambassador of the 19th World's Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kwak Yeon-soo |
Kotsur also shared his thoughts on hearing actors playing deaf roles.
"Similar things happened in Hollywood 20 or 30 years ago. I had to set up meetings with producers to suggest that deaf actors are better suited to portray deaf characters. As a result, producers began to open their minds and give the roles to deaf actors. I hope to see such change in Korea as well," he said.
The 54-year-old actor said he wishes to meet with Oscar-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung, who won the award in 2021 for her performance in "Minari," about a Korean immigrant family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm. Youn presented Kotsur with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and before she read his name out loud, she signed it.
"Youn said 'I love you' in sign language, which was really moving. I wanted to have more conversation with her at the Oscars, but we didn't have enough time. If possible, I'd love to meet her in Korea and listen to her unique journey and approach to acting. Moreover, I want to star in the same movie with her," he said.
At the 2023 WFD event, scheduled for July 11-15 next year on Jeju Island, the Hollywood actor plans to engage in education programs.
"My greatest concern is to save sign language from extinction and protect the rights of deaf children. I heard that in Korea, parents and surgeons advise deaf children to get cochlear implant surgery, but without respecting children's own thoughts on it. I would like to discuss this issue at the event," he said.
He also called on the Korean government to provide more financial support for deaf people. "The WFD event is like an Olympics for the deaf population around the world. As the 19th edition is taking place in Korea (Jeju Island) next year, I hope the government supports us," he said.
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