Deanne Bray Biography – American Actress

Last updated on March 26th, 2022 at 04:24 pm

Deanne Bray is not a new name in the entertainment industry. She is best recognized for portraying Sue Thomas in Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. It was loosely based on the former FBI agent Sue Thomas’ life experiences and was one of the highest-rated shows.

The actress became one of the first deaf people to star in a television series. Her realistic acting earned her many praises and massive support. Furthermore, the tv personality became an inspiration and paved the path for other non-hearing actors.

Here, we will learn more about this talented individual’s background, family, love life, earnings, and more.

Deanne Bray Was Born Hearing-Impaired

The television star was born Deanne Lee Bray on May 14, 1971, in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, California, USA. She was told she was born deaf, but her parents didn’t suspect it until she was sixteen months old.

Deanne Bray’s father took her to UCLA to evaluate her hearing loss when she was two. She had only 70db residual hearing on her left ear, but her right ear was completely deaf. Moreover, Bray’s dad worked as a director of photography on different productions. He could also do basic ASL.

However, Deanne Bray’s late mother, Sylvia Gayle Powell, chose not to study sign language. Still, the actress shares her late mom was her first teacher and best friend. Unfortunately, she passed away due to complications of cancer on June 6, 2019.

Bray’s late stepfather, Leonard Powell, served in the Air Force. She also has a sister Janie and brother George.

The film star attended Washington State School for the Deaf in childhood. She later earned her BA degree in Biology from California State University, Northridge. Moreover, Dreanne graduated with an MA in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in 2013. She was also pursuing a Master’s in Deaf education.

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Deanne Bray Net Worth And Career

The media personality was first discovered while performing with Prism West. She then began acting in guest roles in many television series. Hence, Deanne Bray’s net worth mainly comprises her earnings from her acting profession.

The actress’ tv credits include The Pretender, Ellen, Diagnosis: Murder, Strong Medicine, 2 Broke Girls, etc. She made her breakthrough with Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye in 2002.

Aside from that, Bray has starred in many movies whose release dates are listed below:

Movie	Release Date
L.A. County 187	July 5, 2003
Last Mountain	2005
Universal Signs	2008
No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie	October 2013
Wild Prairie Rose	May 4, 2016

The tv actress must have earned a hefty amount for her works. The average income of an actress is $44 an hour and $91,401 a year. So, Deanne’s salary must also be around that range.

Besides acting, Bray’s earnings benefit from her teaching jobs. For instance, she is an American Sign Language instructor at Oak Park High School. Furthermore, she is an advocate for early ASL development.

Thus, Deanne Bray’s net worth must be a considerable sum from her acting and teaching careers. Another individual renowned for her acting skills is Natasha Bassett.

Deanne Bray Is Married To Troy Kotsur

The American actress is married to actor and director Troy Kotsur. He has more than twenty years of acting and filmmaking experience.

The pair first met in Connecticut in 1993. Bray was meeting a friend at the National Theatre of the Deaf, where Troy was a member. Afterward, Deanne’s partner, Troy, moved to Los Angeles, and both worked in several productions.

However, the couple didn’t instantly click; instead maintained a friendship. Both began dating in 1997 and got married on September 1, 2001.

Deanne Bray’s husband, Troy, was nominated for Oscar for his role in CODA. He also became the first deaf actor to win a SAG Award in 2022.

Bray Is A Mother Of A Little Girl

Deanne gave birth to her child, Kyra Monique Kotsur, on September 8, 2005. She can hear and is fluent in ASL and English.

 

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Deanne Bray’s daughter, Kyra, often attends red carpet events with her. She must be proud of her parents’ accomplishments and advocacy.

Hopefully, we might see Bray’s baby girl, Kyra, making her film debut in the future.

• California State University Celebrity Babies Celebrity Romance Deanne Bray Deanne Lee Bray Gallaudet University Kyra Monique Kotsur Leonard Powell Natasha Bassett Oak Park High School Sue Thomas Sylvia Gayle Powell Troy Kotsur TV Actor Celebrity Biography Washington State School for the Deaf