Quick Info
| Profession | Actor |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 24/07/1968 |
| Age | 58 years |
| Birthplace | Mesa, Arizona |
Latest News about Troy Kotsur
31/03/2026
Rochester Institute of Technology announced Kotsur as an honorary doctorate recipient for its 2026 commencement. The announcement noted his ongoing film work, including recent projects such as Foundation, Black Rabbit, and Primate, and said he would address graduates at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf ceremony on May 9.
23/01/2026
Kotsur promoted his role in Primate while discussing the need for more acting roles that are not defined by disability. The interview highlighted his continued advocacy for broader casting opportunities for deaf performers and showed his active presence in film promotion during 2026.
Do you like Troy Kotsur?
You can vote only once.
Bio/Wiki
| Full name | Troy Michael Kotsur |
|---|
Physical Stats & More
| Height | 183 cm |
|---|---|
| Eye Color | Hazel Green |
| Hair Color | Salt & Pepper (Dyed Black) |
Educational Qualification(s)
| School |
|
|---|---|
| College/University | Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. |
| Educational Qualification | A course in theatre, television, and film at Gallaudet University (1987-1989) |
Personal Life
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
|---|---|
| Hearing Status | Deaf |
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Wife/Spouse | Deanne Bray (actress) |
| Marriage Date | 1 September 2001 |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Deanne Bray (actress) (February 1997-August 2001) |
| Children | Kyra Monique Kotsur |
Family
| Father | Leonard Stephen Kotsur (police chief in Mesa, became paralyzed after a car accident) |
|---|---|
| Mother | Jodee Kotsur |
| Siblings |
|
Career
| Debut |
| ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |
| ||||||
| Notable Roles |
| ||||||
| Theater Work | Over 20 productions with Deaf West Theatre including Of Mice and Men, Cyrano, Spring Awakening, True West, and A Streetcar Named Desire | ||||||
| Historic Achievement | First deaf male actor to win an Academy Award; second deaf actor overall to win an acting Oscar after Marlee Matlin |
Favourites
| Cartoon | Tom & Jerry |
|---|---|
| Film Series | Star Wars |
| Films |
|
Social Media
| https://www.instagram.com/troykotsur/ |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Troy Kotsur made history by becoming the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award for his performance in 'CODA' in 2021. Growing up, he was the sole deaf member of his family, prompting his parents to learn ASL for better communication. Kotsur's journey into acting began in high school after his drama teacher inspired him. A tragedy in his family, where his father became paralyzed, created a barrier in their communication. Despite challenges, Kotsur persisted in the entertainment industry and established himself as a successful actor. He has appeared in various stage plays, TV shows, and movies, showcasing his versatile acting skills. Kotsur gained acclaim for his role as a deaf fisherman in the acclaimed film 'CODA,' marking a breakthrough in his career. | |
| 2. Troy Kotsur made history by becoming the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award for his performance in 'CODA' in 2021. Growing up, he was the sole deaf member of his family, prompting his parents to learn ASL for better communication. Kotsur's journey into acting began in high school after his drama teacher inspired him. A tragedy in his family, where his father became paralyzed after a car accident, created a barrier in their communication that they overcame by developing their own unique version of Sign Language. Despite challenges, Kotsur persisted in the entertainment industry and established himself as a successful actor. He has appeared in various stage plays, TV shows, and movies, showcasing his versatile acting skills. Kotsur gained acclaim for his role as a deaf fisherman in the acclaimed film 'CODA,' marking a breakthrough in his career. He created a documentary titled 'To My Father' that premiered at the Mesa Film Festival in 2023, focusing on his relationship with his father and their unique communication bond. |