"I have the worst in both worlds, but I do have the best in both, as well." This reflection on life was made by actress Deanne Bray. She can be seen on Hallmark in its new seriesSue Thomas : F.B Eye every Monday at 8:30 pm. Bray plays Sue Thomas, who although completely deaf from the age of 18 months, overcame significant obstacles to work surveillance for the FBI. Bray like her onscreen character is also severely deaf and like Sue Thomas, was strongly encouraged by her parents to speak and read lips . Bray has also appeared in episodes of CSI Crime Scene Investigation, Ellen among others. Bray teaches deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students during the school year. Through an email questionnaire sent by indiantelevision.com's correspondent Ashwin Pinto, Bray spoke about her character, opportunities in film and television for people who are hard of hearing, as well as the similarity between acting and teaching. |
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What drew you to the role of Sue Thomas? The series becomes even more relevant when I know that besides the usual 'hearing audiences', the story can well be followed and understood by those with hearing impairment. Besides, never before has there been a television show about the real life experiences and career of a deaf person - who is also portrayed by an actor with a hearing impairment. |
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What did you learn from Sue Thomas? Sometimes you know, we feel like we belong to another world, like this world is not for us. In such an environment, we need be honest and give it all we have to be the best in our work and prove ourselves to the world. |
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Today, are there more opportunities for actors with hearing impairment? No one can depict an impaired person's role better than a person who is impaired. I think that is what more and more programme makers have understood today. I think at the end of the day, if you have the talent, and you stand above the rest, there is nothing in the world that can stop you. |
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Do you think that your role in the show will give the audience a better understanding of people with hearing problems? She has gone through a lot to convince people; and has tried to change the way people look at the impaired. More than for anyone else, I want people to understand the message in the story for Sue's sake. I want them to understand the challenges that the impaired go through every single day of their life. |
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Were there any obstacles to the way in which you interacted with the other cast members and directors while filming a scene? How did you work around them? They understood very well my requirements and the help that I needed when working. I too learnt how to adapt to my surroundings and was not too fussy. I think we worked excellently as a team and supported each other. In fact we'd sit together at the end of the day and give feedback to each other on the performance, what required improvement and so on. |
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Could you elaborate on what a hearing dog is and the role it plays? Most often, we get to choose from the dogs who have already been trained. Sometimes, you can take your own dog and get it trained to meet requirements. A thorough medical examination of the dogs - including blood tests and necessary vaccinations are given - to ensure a longer and healthier life. The training schedule of the dogs is vigorous - they are taught to respond to sounds such as the door bell, the alarm clock, footsteps, telephone, burglar alarm, babies cries, among other things. They are also taught to follow trails and the scent of a person. The training could range from six months to a year. The outcome, at the end of it all, is a blessing. |
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In what way is teaching similar to acting and which do you prefer? When teaching, I am tapping areas of my expertise and imparting the knowledge that I have. I am merely passing it on to those who can gain from me. Literally speaking, both of them are different. I think the only thing that is common, is that you have a role to play and you have to do it to the best of your ability since there are people watching and listening to you closely. |
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While starting out in you profession, what did you have to do in order to be accepted by the hearing world? Even if people accept you, living every single day as a hearing impaired is a challenge - a challenge that I have now grown to love. |
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