Lauren Ridloff

Lauren Ridloff's foray into the world of acting was not typical, having transitioned from a decade-long career as a kindergarten teacher in Manhattan. However, her unique path brought her to prominence with a lead role in the Broadway revival of "Children of a Lesser God," earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play. Her involvement with "Children of a Lesser God" was initiated through her tutoring of director Kenny Leon in American Sign Language, demonstrating her ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally. Ridloff also received the Theatre World Award in 2018, marking her as an emerging talent in the theater world.

Ridloff's acting career has spanned various mediums, including television and film. She played the role of Connie in the TV series "The Walking Dead," starting in the show's ninth season, and has been a series regular since. Her transition to the big screen was marked by her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Eternals," where she played the superhero Makkari. This role made her the first deaf superhero in the MCU, and led to a significant increase in web searches for American Sign Language courses. Her role in the critically acclaimed film "Sound of Metal" further solidified her standing in the industry.

Alongside her acting career, Ridloff is an active advocate for representation in the entertainment industry. This advocacy earned her the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the 41st Media Access Awards in 2020, the BAFTA Breakthrough performer recognition, and an honor at the New York Women in Film & Television Muse Awards. She has been involved in discussions about subtitles and representation in media, particularly for the deaf community. In December 2023, she delivered a lecture on inclusion and representation at the Kean University President’s Distinguished Lecture Series, further demonstrating her commitment to these issues.