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Alaqua Cox is a deaf and disabled American actress who is best known for her role as Maya Lopez/Echo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series Hawkeye.
She has become an inspiration to many people with her talent and determination.
One of the most common questions people have about Alaqua is whether she was born deaf.
In this article, we will take a closer look at her life and career to answer this question.
Was Alaqua Cox Born Deaf?
Yes, according Alaqua Cox’s Wikipedia profile, she was born deaf to hearing parents Elena and Bill Cox.
In addition, she has a prosthetic lower right leg — though it certainly hasn’t slowed her down at all.
How does Alaqua Cox communicate on set and interviews?
She uses sign language to communicate.
When giving interviews on the red carpet, she’s had an interpreter by her side.
When it comes to her role on Hawkeye, Alaqua told Entertainment Weekly that it was an exciting moment not just for her but for her entire community. “The [Deaf] community is in huge support of this role because they want to see deaf people represented in these deaf roles,” she said. “Most of the time it’s hearing people that take these roles, but finally authentic representation is here. So I’m excited for that, and so is everybody else.”
Hawkeye was Alaqua Cox first acting gig
Before she became a hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Alaqua Cox was working at an Amazon center in Wisconsin.
Acting was not on her radar, however, her friends saw a Disney+ casting call for a Native American and Deaf actress, and she decided to audition since she was a perfect match.
She landed the role as Maya Lopez on Hawkeye, joining the MCU on her first-ever acting job.
Alaqua Cox isn’t the first deaf actress in the Marvel
Alaqua Cox is not the first deaf marvel actress.
Lauren Ridloff, who plays the deaf character Makkari from “Eternals” is actually the first deaf marvel actress.
