Laura BridgmanBridgman was the first deafblind person to communicate using finger spelling and the written word.
Charles-Michel de l’EpeeThis French Catholic priest founded the first school for deaf people in the mid 1700s.
King JordanThe first deaf president of Gallaudet University.
Tasia Wells / Getty Images
Linda BoveA deaf theater actress who played Linda the Librarian on the PBS children’s series Sesame Street.
Amy EcklundEcklund is a deaf actress who received a cochlear implant.
Lou Ferrigno
A bodybuilder and actor with hearing loss.
Phyllis FrelichOne of the most respected deaf actresses.
JonesA longtime actor and comedian.
Marlee MatlinShe is perhaps the best known deaf actress today.
Matlin has an article on Verywell, as well as an interview.
Her autobiography was also reviewed.
Anthony NataleIn my opinion, he is one of the best deaf actors around today.
Howie SeagoAnother top deaf actor.
Christy SmithAn episode of “Survivor” included this deaf contestant.
Heather Whitestone McCallumShe was the first – and maybe the only – deaf Miss America.
Leadership
Kelby BrickProfile of deaf leader Kelby Brick.
Media
Laura C. Redden SearingShe was perhaps the first deaf woman journalist.
Julius WigginsFounder of Silent News.
Organizations
Juliette LowThe founder of the Girl Scouts of America.
Sports
Shelley BeattieA successful deaf bodybuilder.
James “Deaf” BurkeHe was a boxer in the 19th century.
Dummy HoyA deaf baseball player who has yet to make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Terrence ParkinSwimming in the pool in the summer is my favorite summertime activity.
Curtis PrideA retired professional baseball player who is deaf.
Kenny WalkerFor awhile, he was a professional deaf football player.
Sudden Deafness
Rush LimbaughRush Limbaugh experienced sudden deafness.
Vinton CerfThe “father of the Internet” happens to be hard of hearing.
Thomas EdisonThis historic inventor had a hearing loss.
War
Erastus SmithThe only deaf man known to have an entire county named after him.
Raymond LuczakLuczak is a contemporary deaf writer.
He has written poems, plays, and novels.
Stevie PlattPlatt is a contemporary novelist who includes deaf characters in his stories.
