Daniel Durant: The Deaf Actor Who Found His Voice on Broadway and in Hollywood

There are stories that simply refuse to be ignored—narratives so powerful, so deeply human, that they demand to be told. The story of Daniel Durant is one of them. Born into a world of silence, this American actor has turned what some might call a limitation into his greatest strength, using his hands to speak volumes and his presence to command stages and screens alike. From a turbulent childhood in the Midwest to the bright lights of Broadway and the glitz of the Academy Awards, Durant’s journey is a testament to the unyielding power of resilience, the beauty of American Sign Language, and the transformative magic of storytelling.

When you watch Durant perform, whether as the tormented Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway revival of Spring Awakening or as the fiercely protective brother Leo Rossi in the Oscar-winning film CODA, you don’t just see an actor—you witness someone who has turned every obstacle into an opportunity. He didn’t let being Deaf define what he could achieve; instead, he redefined what it means to be a performer, proving that true artistry transcends sound. This is the story of a man who found his voice not through words spoken aloud, but through the poetry of movement, the eloquence of sign language, and the sheer force of an indomitable will.

Early Life: A Childhood Forged in Silence and Survival

Daniel Durant’s entry into this world was anything but ordinary. Born on December 24, 1989, in Detroit, Michigan, he came into the world Deaf, the child of two Deaf parents who were battling their own demons. His biological parents struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, creating an unstable environment that would soon lead to a heartbreaking separation. When Durant was still an infant, his mother took him to a neighbor’s house and simply disappeared. For nine long months, he remained in that neighbor’s care until the neighbor finally tracked down his father and grandfather.

It was his paternal aunt, Lori Durant, who would step in and change the course of his life. At just 18 months old, Daniel was adopted by Lori and her wife, Mary Engels, and brought to Duluth, Minnesota, where he would grow up. Remarkably, at that time, Durant had no language at all—no spoken words, no sign language, no way to truly communicate his needs or feelings. He would yell and point, frustration mounting with every failed attempt to make himself understood.

His aunt Lori, however, was determined. She knew a bit of sign language and set about learning more, teaching young Daniel one word at a time. Durant recalls one particular lesson involving grapes: he would yell and point, and his aunt would calmly respond, “No, you can’t have any until you sign it”. Those early lessons in patience and persistence planted the seeds for something far greater than just communication—they laid the foundation for a lifelong love of language and expression.

Growing up in Duluth wasn’t always easy. Durant attended mainstream schools where he was often the only Deaf student with an interpreter. The isolation was palpable. He was bullied for being Deaf and, later, for having two moms—a reality that made him feel like an outsider in a world that didn’t always understand him. “In school, I was the only deaf kid with an interpreter, and it was difficult to coordinate my culture with the hearing culture,” he recalled. “They shunned me because they were different than I was, and they made fun of me”.

But even in those lonely moments, something extraordinary was happening. Durant would sit in his bed at night, unable to sleep, and tell stories with his hands. “I couldn’t sleep without sitting in my bed and telling stories in sign language. My hands had to move, and then that would allow me finally to fall asleep,” he shared. Those nightly storytelling sessions were more than just a way to pass the time—they were the first stirrings of an actor’s soul, a young boy learning to express himself through the art of movement and gesture.

When Durant transferred to the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in eighth grade, everything changed. Suddenly, he was surrounded by people who communicated exactly as he did. Teachers signed, football coaches signed, even the cafeteria workers could sign. For the first time in his life, he felt like a normal person. It was at a retreat for Deaf kids and their parents that the acting bug truly bit him. Standing by a campfire, telling ghost stories to an audience of peers, Durant discovered the thrill of performance. His passion was further ignited at age nine when a teacher who noticed his expressiveness wrote a play just for him and gave him the lead role. After that first taste of the stage, he went straight to his moms and declared, “That was great. I want to find more opportunities to do that”.

He graduated from MSAD in 2008 and went on to study at the Rochester Institute of Technology and Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.. Yet, college proved creatively frustrating. He struggled to land roles, and the spark that had once burned so brightly began to dim. But rather than give up, Durant turned to a new medium: YouTube. He started posting physically expressive storytelling videos, showcasing his talent in American Sign Language. Those videos would change everything.

Breaking Through: From YouTube to Broadway

Durant’s YouTube channel became his calling card. His expressive, emotionally charged performances caught the attention of one of the most prestigious theater companies for the Deaf in the country: Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles. In 2012, he made the bold decision to pack his bags and move to Los Angeles to join their production of Cyrano de Bergerac. It was a leap of faith that would pay off in ways he never could have imagined.

His work with Deaf West quickly opened doors. Shortly after Cyrano, he landed a guest acting job at Oakland University in Michigan, playing the lead role of “Stinger” in their production of Police: Deaf: Near: Far. Then came a recurring role on ABC Family’s groundbreaking series Switched at Birth, where he played Matthew, a Deaf student, from 2013 to 2017. The show, which featured a significant amount of American Sign Language, was a milestone for Deaf representation on television.

But it was his work with Deaf West that would catapult Durant to national acclaim. In the fall of 2013, he played the lead role of Charlie in their production of Flowers for Algernon, earning rave reviews. The following year, he took on the role that would define his career: Moritz Stiefel in Deaf West’s production of Spring Awakening. The show opened at the Rosenthal Theatre and later moved to the Wallis Annenberg Theatre in Beverly Hills in 2015. The production was a revelation—a seamless blend of Deaf and hearing actors, with dialogue delivered in both spoken English and American Sign Language.

When Spring Awakening transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2015, Durant made his Broadway debut at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. It was a moment of triumph, not just for him, but for the Deaf community as a whole. Here was a Deaf actor, born without the ability to hear a single note of music, starring in a rock musical on Broadway. Critics were effusive in their praise. The Huffington Post named his performance one of the “Top 10 Best Theatrical Performances of 2015,” and Theatremania listed him among the “12 Best Broadway Debuts of 2015”. He received the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut Performance and the BroadwayWorld LA Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Durant’s success on Broadway was a powerful statement: Deaf actors could not only perform alongside hearing actors but could do so at the highest levels of the profession. He had shattered a barrier that had long kept Deaf performers on the margins of mainstream theater.

Hollywood Calling: CODA and Global Recognition

If Broadway introduced the world to Daniel Durant, it was Hollywood that made him a household name. In 2021, he was cast as Leo Rossi in the film CODA—a coming-of-age comedy-drama about Ruby, the only hearing member of a Deaf family. The film, directed by Siân Heder, was a remake of the 2014 French-Belgian film La Famille Bélier, and it featured a predominantly Deaf cast, including Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur.

Durant played Leo, Ruby’s older brother—a Deaf fisherman with entrepreneurial ambitions who often clashes with his sister but ultimately shares an unbreakable bond with her. It was a role that required emotional depth, physical expressiveness, and a profound understanding of Deaf culture, all of which Durant delivered in spades. The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize, the Audience Award, and the Directing Award. The ensemble cast also won the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast.

But the accolades didn’t stop there. CODA was acquired by Apple TV+ for a record-breaking sum and went on to achieve what no film produced by a streaming service had done before: it won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film also won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur—the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar in a competitive category. Durant and his fellow cast members received the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

For Durant, the success of CODA was more than just personal validation—it was a victory for the entire Deaf community. “People don’t understand the richness of ASL,” he once said, and CODA helped change that. The film brought Deaf culture into the living rooms of millions, humanizing a community that had long been marginalized and misunderstood. It also proved that stories told in American Sign Language could resonate with mainstream audiences on a global scale.

Beyond CODA: Dancing, Advocacy, and Expanding Horizons

In 2022, Durant took on a new challenge: competing on Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars. Paired with professional dancer Britt Stewart, he became one of the few Deaf contestants to appear on the show. The experience pushed him far outside his comfort zone. Dancing requires an intimate connection to rhythm and music—two things Durant had never heard. But he learned to feel the music through vibration, to count beats in his body, and to trust his partner completely.

“I’m fully deaf. I can’t hear anything at all but I love feeling the vibration through my body,” Durant explained. He and Stewart captivated audiences with their chemistry and determination, advancing all the way to the semifinals and finishing in fifth place. Their partnership, however, transcended the dance floor. The two fell in love, confirming their relationship in February 2023. They got engaged on Christmas Day in 2023 and tied the knot in August 2025. Stewart learned American Sign Language to communicate with her partner, a gesture that speaks volumes about the depth of their bond.

Durant’s advocacy work has been just as impactful as his acting. He is a passionate supporter of the Deaf community, producing ASL videos on YouTube, participating in the Deaf Gamers Network, and conducting acting workshops for Deaf students. He serves as an acting teacher and coach at Deaf film camps and engages in national speaking engagements for colleges and universities. In 2014, the City of Los Angeles honored him as the Deaf Awareness Month Honoree for his outstanding contributions to the arts and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

His commitment to visibility and representation extends to major public events as well. Durant performed the National Anthem in American Sign Language at Super Bowl LVIII, sharing the stage with Reba McEntire. He has also been a keynote speaker at numerous events, sharing his story of resilience and the importance of accessibility in the arts.

Personal Life, Beliefs, and Daily Rhythms

Despite his rising fame, Durant remains grounded in the values that shaped him. He lives in Duluth, Minnesota, the city that raised him, though he has also called Los Angeles and even Norway home at various points in his life. His connection to his adoptive mothers, Lori Durant and Mary Engels, remains central to his identity. They were the ones who taught him language, who encouraged his passion for storytelling, and who stood by him through every triumph and setback.

Durant is known for his warm, approachable demeanor and his deep commitment to community. In his free time, he connects with fans and friends through ASL videos on YouTube and engages with the Deaf Gamers Network. He has described ASL as making “our world a more beautiful place,” a philosophy that guides both his personal and professional life.

His relationship with Britt Stewart has been a source of joy and inspiration. The couple has spoken openly about their desire to show future generations that love can flourish across differences. Their wedding in August 2025 was a celebration not just of their union but of the inclusive, barrier-breaking world they hope to help build.

Net Worth and Income Sources

As of 2026, Daniel Durant’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. His income comes from a variety of sources, including his acting work in film, television, and theater. His role in CODA, the Broadway revival of Spring Awakening, and his recurring appearances on Switched at Birth and Netflix’s You have all contributed significantly to his earnings.

In addition to his acting work, Durant is a sought-after keynote speaker. His speaking fees are estimated to range from $10,000 to $20,000 per engagement, reflecting the high demand for his inspiring story and his advocacy for Deaf representation. He also earns income from sponsored content and partnerships on social media, where he has cultivated a loyal following.

Social Media and Audience Engagement

Durant maintains an active and engaging presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where he goes by @danielndurant. His feed offers fans a glimpse into his professional projects, his advocacy work, and his personal life—including heartwarming posts with his wife, Britt Stewart. He also has a presence on Twitter/X under @DanielNDurant, where he shares updates and connects with followers.

His YouTube channel, which features ASL videos, remains a cornerstone of his outreach to the Deaf community. Through these platforms, Durant has built a global audience that extends far beyond the entertainment industry, reaching Deaf individuals, their families, and hearing allies who are inspired by his journey.

Recent Updates and Future Goals

Since the massive success of CODA, Durant has continued to build on his momentum. He has appeared in the Netflix series You as the character James and starred in the indie feature Silent Notes. He also performed in the production Black Drum in Canada and France. In 2020, he reunited with Deaf West to star in Orpheé, a reimagining of the Greek myth.

Looking ahead, Durant shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to pursue acting roles that challenge him and expand the possibilities for Deaf performers. His advocacy work remains a top priority, and he is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of Deaf actors through workshops, film camps, and speaking engagements. He has also expressed interest in producing and directing projects that center Deaf stories, furthering his mission to increase representation in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Representation

Daniel Durant’s journey from a young boy who couldn’t communicate to an internationally recognized actor and advocate is nothing short of extraordinary. He has navigated a path filled with obstacles—abandonment, bullying, the isolation of being Deaf in a hearing world—and emerged not just triumphant, but determined to lift others up along the way. His story is a powerful reminder that our differences are not weaknesses but sources of strength, and that true communication transcends the boundaries of sound.

Through his work on stage, on screen, and in the community, Durant has redefined what it means to be a performer. He has shown that Deaf actors can hold their own on Broadway, that films centered on Deaf stories can win Oscars, and that love and partnership can flourish across any divide. He has used his platform to advocate for accessibility, representation, and the beauty of American Sign Language, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and on the lives of countless individuals who see themselves reflected in his success.

As Daniel Durant continues to pave the way for future generations, his story stands as a reminder of how resilience and purpose can shape a meaningful legacy. In a world that often underestimates those who are different, he has proven that the human spirit, when fueled by passion and determination, can achieve the extraordinary.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is Daniel Durant?
Daniel Durant is an American stage and screen actor who is Deaf. He is best known for his breakthrough role as Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway revival of Spring Awakening and for playing Leo Rossi in the Academy Award-winning film CODA (2021). He is also an ASL activist, advocate for Deaf representation, and a keynote speaker.

Q2: Was Daniel Durant born deaf?
Yes, Daniel Durant was born deaf. His biological parents, both of whom were also deaf, struggled with addiction, and he was adopted as a toddler by his paternal aunt.

Q3: Where did Daniel Durant grow up?
Though born in Detroit, Michigan, Durant was raised in Duluth, Minnesota, after being adopted by his aunt Lori Durant and her wife Mary Engels.

Q4: What is Daniel Durant’s educational background?
Durant graduated from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in 2008 and studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C..

Q5: What movies and TV shows has Daniel Durant appeared in?
Durant is known for his roles in CODA (2021), Switched at Birth (2013–2017), Netflix’s You, and the indie film Silent Notes. He also competed on Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars.

Q6: Did Daniel Durant win any awards for his acting?
Yes. Durant and the CODA cast won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast at the Sundance Film Festival. He also received the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut Performance.

Q7: Is Daniel Durant married?
Yes. Daniel Durant married professional dancer Britt Stewart, his partner from Dancing with the Stars Season 31, in August 2025. They got engaged in December 2023.

Q8: What is Daniel Durant’s net worth?
Durant’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million, derived from his acting work, speaking engagements, and social media partnerships.

Q9: Does Daniel Durant have social media?
Yes. He is active on Instagram (@danielndurant) and Twitter/X (@DanielNDurant), where he shares updates about his career, advocacy, and personal life.

Q10: What advocacy work does Daniel Durant do?
Durant is a passionate advocate for the Deaf community. He produces ASL videos on YouTube, conducts acting workshops for Deaf students, serves as a coach at Deaf film camps, and speaks at colleges and universities about accessibility and representation.