Troy Kotsur was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 2022 BAFTAs, however, things hadn’t always been so rosy for the star.
He won the gong for his role in CODA, where he played the deaf parent of a hearing child, which he says is strikingly similar to his real life.
The 53-year-old screen star spoke exclusively to the Daily Star in the winners’ room conference about his recent accolade.
Troy said: “I am extremely thrilled, I feel like it’s a big payoff of all of my many years it has been an extremely tough journey.
“It was hellish at times, I feel like a survivor at times, I slept in the back of my car, I couch-surfed, slept backstage at the theatre and on the street cart on Desire on the set.
(Image: WireImage)
“It was so hard for me to survive back then as a starving actor.
“I was such a risk-taker and I took so many years, some people try acting for so many years and go back to a regular day job but I just wanted to do what I love.
He continued: “But with my instinct and gut feeling I just really fell in love with acting, it was my craft, I love working with people and creatives and I love problem-solving.
(Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“And so everything lead me here to the BAFTAs tonight and I am so extremely grateful for the BAFTAs recognising my work.
“I feel like I’ve been an outsider for so long, and as an outsider, you have to fight and struggle and push your way in and now it seems like filmmakers are thinking outside of the box and there are so many diverse actors out there who are waiting for those opportunities, so trust me there are some great works to come.”
(Image: ©Apple TV/Courtesy Everett Coll)
Troy also made history Sunday (March 13) night as he became the first deaf actor to win a BAFTA in one of the main categories, with his film CODA also winning an award for Adapted Screenplay.
While accepting his acting award on stage, Troy also made the most of his time on stage and put himself forward to replace Daniel Craig as the future James Bond.
He quipped: “I would just like to say congratulations to James Bond, 007, for the 60th anniversary. Have you considered maybe a deaf James Bond, 008?”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
