Millicent Simmonds is the definition of one to watch.
How these three characters are related in revealed in a lyrical late-film twist.
She also happens to be, like her character, deaf.
Credit: Myles Aronowitz/Amazon Studios/Roadside Attractions
You cant do that unless you know how to communicate with the world around you.
EW chatted with Simmonds via email about getting acting in her first of what should be many big movies.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Hello Millie, congratulations on being part of such a beautiful movie.
I was moved to tears by your performance.MILLICENT SIMMONDS:Wow!
Thank you so much for saying that!
That means so much to me!
Can you tell me about how this all happened?
What was the auditions process like?
She thought I would be good for the part.
So my mom recorded me doing the scenes on her phone and we sent it in.
We just thought it would be fun.
I couldnt believe it!
I was so excited.
He was so nice.
Todd was very easy to work with and I had the best interpreter.
I just knew what he meant by that.
What I love about Todd is that he trusted me.
He made me feel comfortable from the very start.
He wouldnt just tell me what he wanted me to do.
He would show me.
Hes very comfortable with his expression.
I wanted to make him proud.
I hope I did.
I felt like we were a good team.
I think its meaningful that Todd Haynes chose to cast a deaf actress to play Rose.
Can you tell me if you feel the same way?Yes!
Im so glad and lucky that he felt like finding someone deaf to play Rose was important to him.
Yes he couldve found someone hearing, and thats what acting is right?
To play a character or be someone else.
So that wouldve been ok too.
But I felt I could really relate to Rose and feeling isolated and alone.
I feel that around hearing people everyday.
Im grateful he chose me to play Rose.
Todd and the crew came up with the coolest ideas.
The movie is just so beautiful to look at, especially your scenes.
Thank you for saying that!
Todd did such a good job.
This is how smart he is.
So my job was easy!
