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Suggested ReadingDeaf History - Deaf People - Television Fifties to TodayAbout.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Before Marlee Matlin and Deanne BrayAlthough Marlee Matlin and Deanne Bray are the first deaf actors or actresses people think of when the subject of deaf people on television comes up, there were many others who paved the way for them over the years on television programs in the United States and elsewhere. Someday I would like for someone to put together a DVD with all deaf television character appearances over the years, because there are many I have never seen and would like the chance to see, or see again. (Notes: This article does not include soap operas,reality shows, or programs like Sesame Street. The focus is on regularly aired dramas, comedies, etc. Also, ifterms like "deaf-mute" appear, that is because that is how the characters were described originally.) 1950s and 1960sApparently deaf people (if not deaf actors, because in the early days many deaf roles in Hollywood were taken by hearing actors) have been on television since not long after television began. These are the earliest appearances of deafness on television that I know of:
1970sIn the 1970s, deaf actors and actresses began to appear on television programs, but appearances were relatively scarce. Roles were limited, and deaf characters were never anything more than "guest" appearances. During this era, deaf characters on television were more curiosities than anything else.
Updated: December 18, 2007 Suggested Reading |
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