15 Famous Deaf People Who Changed the World with Inspiration

Deafness has never stopped individuals from achieving greatness, influencing culture, or inspiring people across the world. Throughout history, famous deaf people have proven that determination and talent can overcome barriers, and that communication extends far beyond spoken words. From composers and inventors to athletes, actors, and activists, their stories show the diversity of contributions made by the deaf community. Here are 15 remarkable deaf individuals whose achievements shaped history, culture, and society, reminding us that limitations do not define human potential.

Ludwig van Beethoven

One of the most iconic names in music history, Ludwig van Beethoven remains a shining example of artistic triumph despite deafness. The German composer began to lose his hearing in his late twenties, and by the time he composed some of his greatest works—including the Ninth Symphony—he was profoundly deaf. Beethoven relied on his understanding of musical theory, vibrations, and inner creativity to continue composing. His story demonstrates extraordinary resilience, and his work continues to influence classical music centuries later. Beethoven’s deafness did not hinder his genius; in fact, it highlighted his ability to transcend barriers through art.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller is perhaps the most famous deaf-blind individual in history. Born in Alabama in 1880, she lost both her hearing and sight at the age of 19 months due to an illness. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate through sign language, Braille, and speech. She went on to graduate from Radcliffe College, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Keller became an international lecturer, activist, and author, advocating for disability rights and social justice. Her life’s work inspired generations and challenged societal perceptions of people with disabilities.

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin is one of the most well-known deaf performers in Hollywood. She made history in 1987 when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Children of a Lesser God, making her the first—and still only—deaf actor to win an Oscar. Over her decades-long career, Matlin has appeared in popular television series such as The West Wing, Switched at Birth, and Quantico. Beyond her acting, she is an outspoken advocate for the deaf community, accessibility in media, and inclusion in Hollywood. Matlin’s success continues to inspire aspiring deaf actors around the world.

Nyle DiMarco

Nyle DiMarco gained fame as a model, actor, and activist who proudly represents the deaf community. Born deaf into a multigenerational deaf family, he became widely known after winning America’s Next Top Model in 2015. He followed that up by winning Dancing with the Stars in 2016, impressing audiences with his ability to dance flawlessly without hearing the music. DiMarco has used his platform to advocate for sign language education, deaf rights, and better accessibility. Through his work, he demonstrates that deafness is not a limitation but a cultural identity that enriches the world.

Sean Berdy

Sean Berdy is a talented deaf actor best known for his role as Emmett Bledsoe in the hit television series Switched at Birth. Born deaf, Berdy grew up immersed in American Sign Language and embraced acting as a way to express himself. His role in Switched at Birth was groundbreaking, as the show featured extensive use of ASL and authentic representation of deaf culture. Berdy has also appeared in The Society on Netflix, gaining recognition among younger audiences. His career highlights the importance of authentic casting in Hollywood and the value of representation for deaf characters on screen.

Granville Redmond

Granville Redmond was a deaf American painter and actor whose contributions extended to both fine art and early cinema. Born in 1871, he lost his hearing due to scarlet fever at a young age. He became known for his breathtaking landscapes of California, often featuring vibrant poppy fields and serene natural scenes. Redmond was also a friend of Charlie Chaplin, appearing in several of Chaplin’s silent films. Chaplin admired his ability to use expressive body language, which influenced Chaplin’s own comedic style. Redmond’s artistic achievements and influence on film show how deafness can enrich creativity and communication.

Derrick Coleman

Derrick Coleman made sports history as the first legally deaf offensive player in the NFL. Born with a hearing impairment, he wore hearing aids throughout his life and relied on lip-reading to communicate on the field. Coleman signed with the Seattle Seahawks and played a vital role in their 2014 Super Bowl victory. His inspiring story reached even wider audiences when he appeared in a viral Duracell commercial that highlighted his journey as a deaf athlete. Coleman’s success showed the world that persistence and determination could overcome barriers, inspiring young athletes with hearing impairments everywhere.

I. King Jordan

I. King Jordan became a central figure in deaf education history as the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, the world’s premier university for the deaf. His appointment in 1988 came after the historic “Deaf President Now” protest, during which students demanded deaf leadership for their institution. Jordan’s presidency was transformative, as he expanded the university’s programs and championed equal opportunities for the deaf community. His leadership symbolized empowerment and self-determination, proving that deaf individuals should not only participate in but also lead institutions dedicated to their community’s advancement.

Mandy Harvey

Mandy Harvey is a deaf singer-songwriter who gained international fame after competing on America’s Got Talent in 2017. Despite losing her hearing due to a connective tissue disorder at age 18, she refused to give up on her passion for music. Using visual tuners and muscle memory, Harvey retrained herself to sing and play instruments. On the show, her heartfelt performance of her original song “Try” brought judge Simon Cowell to tears and earned her the Golden Buzzer. Harvey’s journey is a powerful reminder that creativity transcends hearing, and her music continues to inspire millions.

Harriet Martineau

Harriet Martineau was a pioneering deaf intellectual and writer from 19th-century England. She became one of the first female sociologists and was known for her works on social theory, politics, and economics. Martineau lost much of her hearing as a child and used an ear trumpet to assist with communication. Despite the challenges of living in an era with little accessibility, she became a prolific author, publishing books and essays that influenced public thought on issues such as women’s rights, abolition, and social reform. Her career demonstrates how determination and intellect can overcome barriers.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, one of history’s most famous inventors, experienced significant hearing loss throughout his life. He became deaf in both ears by his teenage years, though the exact cause remains debated. Despite this, Edison’s hearing impairment may have even contributed to his focus and inventiveness. Known for creating the phonograph, improving the light bulb, and contributing to motion picture technology, Edison filed more than 1,000 patents in his lifetime. While not fully deaf from birth, his story is often cited as an example of how hearing loss did not prevent groundbreaking innovation that shaped the modern world.

Terence Parkin

Terence Parkin, known as the “Silent Torpedo,” is a South African swimmer who became one of the most accomplished deaf athletes in Olympic history. He won a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 200-meter breaststroke and went on to earn numerous medals in Deaflympics competitions. Parkin was born deaf and communicates primarily through sign language, but that never limited his competitive drive. His achievements demonstrated that athletes with disabilities could excel at the highest levels of international sport, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of deaf athletes worldwide.

Juliette Gordon Low

Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, lost much of her hearing in adulthood after several medical complications. Despite this challenge, she dedicated her life to empowering young girls through scouting, focusing on education, leadership, and community involvement. The organization she created in 1912 grew into a national movement that continues to thrive today. Her story illustrates how perseverance and vision can overcome physical barriers, and her legacy continues to impact millions of young girls each year who participate in scouting programs across the United States.

Matt Hamill

Matt Hamill is a deaf mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known as “The Hammer,” he built a successful career despite the challenges of competing in a sport that relies heavily on communication with coaches. Born deaf, Hamill grew up using sign language and became an accomplished wrestler before transitioning to MMA. His life story was even turned into a film, The Hammer, which highlighted his perseverance and success as a deaf athlete. Hamill’s career broke stereotypes about what deaf individuals could achieve in competitive sports.

Laurent Clerc

Laurent Clerc was a pioneering French teacher who became one of the founders of deaf education in the United States. After being educated at the National Institute for Deaf-Mutes in Paris, he immigrated to America with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. Together, they established the American School for the Deaf in 1817, the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States. Clerc played a critical role in developing American Sign Language and shaping deaf education. His contributions remain foundational, and he is often referred to as the “Apostle of the Deaf in America.”