Who is Shoshannah Stern?:
She is a deaf actress, born in 1980, and the fourth generation deaf in her family.
How Did Stern Become an Actress?:
Stern acted in high school plays at California School for the Deaf (prior to CSD, she had attended mainstreamed programs), that were directed by C.J. Jones, a deaf actor. At Gallaudet University she studied English, act acted in plays for Gallaudet's Theatre Arts Department. While still a student, she got the role on the WB's Off Centre after the WB contacted her (the National Theatre of the Deaf referred the WB to Gallaudet).
What Roles Is She Best Known For?:
Stern has appeared as Holly Brodeen, a computer/security expert on Threat Matrix (ABC TV), and also had a well-publicized guest shot on ER in the episode "A Little Help From My Friends." Stern has also appeared on Boston Public, and Providence.
Features on Stern:
Stern was featured in World Around You, Winter 2004. (http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/WorldAroundYou/Winter2004/index.html). According to WAY, Stern worked with Marlee Matlin on The Division. Ironically, Stern has performed at least once as Sarah Norman, the role Matlin and Phyllis Frelich made famous. Stern told WAY a theory why there are more deaf female actors in mainstream roles than deaf male actors.
Another article was in On the Green, March 29, 2002 - Vol. 32 No. 11.
