Millicent Simmonds

Millicent Simmonds is an actress from Bountiful, Utah. She became deaf at twelve months old and her mother decided that the entire Simmonds family would learn American Sign Language. Millicent joined the drama club at Jean Massieu School for the Deaf, and participated in Utah Shakespeare Festival, but never thought she would be an actress. She believed instead she would pursue a more dangerous career as a police officer or firefighter. When her drama teacher received an email with a casting call for a young hard of hearing or deaf actress for the role of Rose in the film adaption of the novel Wonderstruck she immediately thought Millicent would be perfect for Rose. Millie's audition brought director Todd Haynes to tears. She was flown to New York City, where she was given the surprise announcement she had gotten the part. Wonderstruck was a critical success and was released as the centerpiece of the New York film festival. Millicent was named one of the Breakthrough Entertainers of 2017 by AP, and Time listed her role as Rose as one of the Top 10 Movie Performances of 2017. She was nominated for a Critic's Choice Award for Best Young Performer in 2018. Less than a year later Millicent landed her next big Hollywood role as Regan Abbott in the horror-thriller a Quiet Place, working alongside superstars Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, and John Krasinski. Director and lead actor of A Quiet Place, John Krasinski, was adamant about casting a deaf actress and using American Sign Language authentically. Soon the entire cast was learning basic sign with the help of an ASL master and deaf adviser. Krasinski often consulted Millie about creative decisions within the movie, and let her make important choices about her character. The movie performed exceptionally both critically and financially and she received her second consecutive Critics Choice Nomination for Best Young Performer. A Quiet Place took home the Critics Choice award for best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie. In 2019 she had two a brief but popular TV show guest star appearances. First as Libby in season 3 of Disney's hit television show Andi Mack, and then as Emmaline in Sundance's This Close. In 2020 she will reprise her role as Regan in the A Quiet Place sequel, once again under the direction of Krasinski. The film wrapped in late September of 2019. It was announced by Deadline in October 2019 that Millicent will be starring in a new TV show called Close Up. Produced by How to Get Away With Murder show runner Peter Nowalk, Close Up is set to air on Freeform. Millicent plays Jen described by Deadline as "self-possessed and funny and tends to retreat into a rich imaginative inner world. Due to her impaired hearing, she is a natural observer and knows her town like the back of her hand. One to normally avoid attention at all costs, she takes a courageous step forward in the aftermath of a recent trauma." Millicent loves to spend time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, watching anime, and riding her motorcycle. She's rubbed elbows with celebrities such as Nyle DiMarco, Julianne Moore, Elsie Fisher, Mckenna Grace and Will Smith. Millicent is also an advocate, speaking out about children's access to sign language. She and her co-star Noah Jupe became close on the set of a Quiet Place, sparking a friendship that continued after the release of the film. Next, she hopes to take on even more adventurous roles, maybe playing a superhero, or even a villain.