Millicent Simmonds provides response regarding “Helen & Teacher” role
Deaf actress Millicent Simmonds provided a response to several questions that “The Daily Moth” sent via email about her role with an upcoming film, “Helen & Teacher,” that is about Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
I asked Millicent to explain why she wanted to take on this role, about whether there are parallels with casting an authentic deaf actor for a deaf role and casting for DeafBlind roles, and her thoughts on the backlash she’s received.
I will show her statement and sign it in ASL.
Millicent Simmonds’ statement:
“I grew up learning about Helen Keller in school. I always admired her and her advocacy for those with disabilities. She opened doors for us. I love stories about people who, regardless of having so much going against them, persevere and succeed. That specific quality has always been fascinating to me about Helen's story. When I read the script, it told a vastly different story than what I learned about her growing up. She was much more complicated. She didn't always have the best relationship with Anne. This was a version and time in her life that I don't think many people know about. I wanted to tell a more accurate version of her.
In terms of the importance of casting deaf roles with authentic deaf actors and sighted actors taking on blind roles, or in my case, a sighted deaf actor taking on a deaf-blind role, I definitely see a parallel. I also have a different perspective than most people have. Almost 5 years ago no one knew who I was. I loved acting in my drama club at school, but I never thought that becoming a professional actress was a possibility for me. I never saw anyone like me on screen.
Todd Haynes, who was the director of Wonderstruck, the first movie I did, wanted an authentic Deaf girl to play the part of Rose. I was cast in the part. I was the first Deaf lead in a movie in years. I thought that was a big deal. Julianne Moore was cast as an older version of me in the movie. She played a deaf character for 15 minutes. Both Todd and Julianne received pushback from the Deaf community for her casting. They went so far as to boycott the film because of her. The truth is, I owe my career to Todd and Julianne. Our first Deaf superhero Lauren Ridloff was also in that movie. So do I think that movie did more good than harm? Yes I do.
Going from not seeing authentic Deaf representation in years, to having Kaylee Hottle in King Kong, Lauren Ridloff in Eternals and me in A Quiet Place 2 in the same year is progress. I think we need to focus on where the industry is headed. If Julianne Moore hadn't played that character, that movie wouldn't have been made. I'm glad she did. John Krasinski fought and insisted my role in A Quiet Place be played by a Deaf actress which opened the door for me to play her.
Now, I have an opportunity to help tell a story about a deaf-blind woman (who up until this point has always been acted by someone without a disability) illuminating the deaf-blind community and their tactile sign language. There’s a great opportunity for us to show tactile sign language on screen to a wide audience who have never been exposed to it. The goal is to get more deaf-blind actors in the mainstream and to tell their stories. I believe this story and playing Helen will do that.
As an actor, my job is to immerse myself in any role I take on and I plan to work incredibly hard preparing and working with deaf-blind people to tell Helen’s story with grace and authenticity. I have met, and will continue to meet, with deaf-blind people who have been incredibly helpful. I will be learning tactile sign language and have a deaf-blind consultant on set with me.”
Alex: Thank you Millicent for providing a thoughtful and detailed response. “Variety” reported that principal photography for the film is scheduled for summer 2022.
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