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. Millie 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 Millie would be perfect for the role. 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. 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. Less than a year later Millicent landed her next big Hollywood role as Regan Abbott in the horror thriller a Quiet Place, working alongside stars such as Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, and John Krasinski. Director and star of A Quiet Place, John Krasinski, was adamant about casting a deaf actress and using American Sign Language. 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 was both a critical and financial success. She received her second consecutive Critics Choice Nomination for Best Young Performer, and the film took home the Critics Choice award for best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie. In 2019 she had a brief but popular two-episode guest starring role as Libby in season 3 of Disney's hit television show Andi Mack. It was announced by the Hollywood Reporter she was in talks to reprise her role as Regan in the A Quiet Place sequel, once again under the direction of Krasinski. She is also slated to guest star in season two of Sundance's This Close. Millicent loves to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys reading, drawing, watching anime, and riding her motorcycle. She's rubbed elbows with celebrities such as Nyle DiMarco, Julianne Moore, and Will Smith. She is 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. She hopes to next take on an even more adventurous role, maybe playing a superhero, or even a villain.