The medical drama series“New Amsterdam” has introduced diverse and complex characters over the years. One of the most notable additions is Dr. Elizabeth Wilder, played by deaf actress Sandra Mae Frank. Her role marks a significant step forward in the representation of deaf professionals on television. In this blog, we dive deeper into Sandra Mae Frank’s career, the challenges and triumphs of deaf actors in the entertainment industry, and also highlight some Dutch deaf actors taking the stage by storm.
Sandra Mae Frank: From Aspiring Teacher to Actress
Sandra Mae Frank was born on March 21, 1990, in Louisville, Kentucky. Although she was active in theater during her high school years, she began her studies at Gallaudet University with the intention of becoming a teacher. However, her passion for acting continued to grow, and with encouragement from a professor, she decided to switch to studying theater. In 2013, she graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts.
Her breakthrough came in 2015 when she performed the role of Wendla in the Broadway production of “Spring Awakening. This production, performed by both deaf and hearing actors, received rave reviews and brought Frank’s talent to the attention of a wider audience. Since then, she has played various roles in films and television series, including “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and “Switched at Birth. In 2021, she made her debut in “New Amsterdam” as Dr. Elizabeth Wilder, a deaf oncologist. Her character quickly became a fan favorite, leading to her promotion to permanent cast member in the fifth season.
The Role of Dr. Elizabeth Wilder in ‘New Amsterdam’
Dr. Elizabeth Wilder is introduced as the head of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at New Amsterdam Medical Center. Her character is characterized by determination, empathy and a profound passion for her profession. As a deaf professional, she navigates a primarily hearing world, utilizing both her medical expertise and her ability to break down barriers. Her interactions with colleagues and patients highlight the importance of inclusivity and communication in health care.
Casting a deaf actress for this role is a conscious decision by the makers of “New Amsterdam” to promote authenticity and representation. Sandra Mae Frank has indicated that she sees many similarities between herself and her character, particularly in breaking down barriers and navigating a hearing world.
Challenges and Triumphs of Deaf Actors
Deaf actors face unique challenges in the entertainment industry. Communication barriers, limited access to auditions and lack of representation are some of the obstacles they must overcome. Yet, there are inspiring examples of deaf actors who have overcome these obstacles and built successful careers.
A prominent pioneer is Marlee Matlin, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987 for her role in “Children of a Lesser God. Her win was a milestone for deaf actors worldwide. Interestingly, Matlin made a guest appearance in “New Amsterdam” as a mentor to Dr. Wilder, marking a special collaboration between two generations of deaf actresses.
Sandra Mae Frank herself has stressed that having role models like Matlin is essential for deaf actors. She advocates for equal opportunity and stresses the importance of authentic representation in the media. Her own career is a testament to perseverance and talent, and serves as an inspiration to many in the deaf community.
Dutch Deaf Actors in the Spotlight
Deaf actors are also making their mark in the entertainment industry in the Netherlands. One notable talent is Ravi Beeuwkes, a 13-year-old deaf actor who played the role of Max Oudkerk in the Dutch series“Sleepers. In this series, he plays the deaf son of hearing parents, and communicates in Dutch Sign Language. The casting of a deaf actor for this role was praised for its authenticity and promoting diversity on screen.
Another example is Basil Wheatley, who starred in the Flemish film“Milano” at the age of 15. As the first deaf actor in a Flemish feature film, he brought a unique perspective to the big screen. His performance highlights the importance of representation and provides inspiration for deaf young people with acting dreams.
In addition, there is Robin Frings, a deaf actor and content creator from Gouda. He has participated in several projects, including “The Passion 2024” and “Buenas Chicas. His media presence contributes to the visibility of deaf professionals in the Dutch entertainment industry.
The Future of Deaf Actors in the Entertainment Industry
While progress has been made, work remains to achieve full inclusivity and representation. Initiatives such as casting deaf actors in both deaf and hearing roles can contribute to a more inclusive industry. By telling authentic stories and not just portraying deaf people as supporting roles or stereotypical characters, there will be more recognition of their talent and diversity. It is also important for film and theater productions to invest in accessible working environments, such as sign language interpreters on set and scripts that take into account visual communication.
Streaming services and major film studios play a key role in this. When they choose to be more representative and inclusive, it can create a wave of change throughout the industry. Successful productions with deaf actors show that authentic casting is not only impactful, but can also be commercially successful.
Ultimately, the goal is an industry in which deaf actors have as many opportunities as their hearing counterparts, unrestricted by old prejudices or lack of adaptation. Only then will true equality be achieved.
Watch the trailer for season 1 of New Amsterdam here:
