The Guardian has today published the interview of Louis Kissaun, a 16-year-old deaf actor, who has joined the cast of Channel 4 show Shameless.
Kissaun plays a 15 year-old called Danny, who is deaf and doesn't speak. His parents brought him up to speak as well as sign, so communication hasn't been difficult on set, but Kissaun says he's constantly surprised how much people don't know about deafness.
Kassaun believes there are not enough deaf actors on television, and says, "There is a lack of awareness about deafness among people who work in TV. I would love to see a deaf actor playing a character, rather than a 'deaf' character."
When asked if his role in Shameless could change a misconception about deaf actors, he replies: "Deaf people have always been misrepresented as people who can't understand normal conversations. I would like my character to change this misconception."
Louis's debut in Shameless can be seen at 10pm, 10 March on Channel 4.
Read the interview in the Guardian, here.
The Guardian has today published the interview of Louis Kissaun, a 16-year-old deaf actor, who has joined the cast of Channel 4 show Shameless.
Kissaun plays a 15 year-old called Danny, who is deaf and doesn't speak. His parents brought him up to speak as well as sign, so communication hasn't been difficult on set, but Kissaun says he's constantly surprised how much people don't know about deafness.
Kassaun believes there are not enough deaf actors on television, and says, "There is a lack of awareness about deafness among people who work in TV. I would love to see a deaf actor playing a character, rather than a 'deaf' character."
When asked if his role in Shameless could change a misconception about deaf actors, he replies: "Deaf people have always been misrepresented as people who can't understand normal conversations. I would like my character to change this misconception."
Louis's debut in Shameless can be seen at 10pm, 10 March on Channel 4.
Read the interview in the Guardian, here.