Peoria Times
20 FEATURES
August 5, 2021
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Local actor excited about Apple film ‘CODA’ BY ANNIKA TOMLIN
Peoria Times Staff Writer
When deaf Mesa actor Troy Kotsur received the script for the Apple Original Film “CODA,” he immediately saw himself in the role. “I thought this is most definitely a role for me,” Kotsur said. “Thinking about all of the experiences that I have had in the theater and the opportunities I’ve had and the challenges that I’ve had, for this thing to come was fantastic and a great opportunity.” In “CODA,” which stands for child of deaf adults, 17-year-old Ruby (Emilia Jones) spends her time as an interpreter for her parents, who are played by Kotsur and Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin. While working early mornings on the family’s struggling fishing boat, Ruby joins her school choir and finds her voice and a potential new life. “CODA” will open the Phoenix Film Festival on Thursday, Aug. 12, followed by its theatrical and Apple TV+ streaming release on Aug. 13. Kotsur was thrilled to work with
Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant star in “CODA,” premiering globally on Apple TV+ on Aug. 13. (Photo courtesy of Apple TV+)
Matlin, saying it is a “tiny, tiny, tiny world where I finally get to work with her, but it was a blessing.” “I remember when I was in high school, I saw her win an Academy Award, which was incredibly inspiring seeing a deaf person win an Academy Award,” he said. “It gave me motivations in thinking maybe this is something that I can do — at least
something that I can pursue.” Still, parts of the movie were challenging. For example, the family’s fishing business is central to the film. He has no experience with that. “I like water sports. I like waterskiing, but fishing, no — and I don’t eat fish either,” he said. “So, I figured if I am not going to eat them, why am I going to catch them? I’d rather leave
that for other people.” Kotsur, Jones and Daniel Durant, the latter of whom plays the older brother, had to learn to chop the heads off fish, sort them and other fishing boat tasks. “We had to get up at 2 a.m. to do this,” Kotsur said. “We went out with real fishermen on their boat and watched how they did what they did. It is a filthy, filthy place.” Also troubling were the birds who swarmed overhead. “You have to hose the place down when you are done, and when you get out, (the smell) never quite gets off of you,” Kotsur said. “It’s amazing, and you know you are covered in bird droppings from them flying overhead, so that was a new experience for me.” However, the boat was one of his favorite parts of filming “CODA,” but he gives credit to the “great director, great writer and amazing story.” “We saw whales,” Kotsur said. “I had never seen whales out in the ocean, and certainly not in Arizona. “(Another favorite) is the moment SEE CODA PAGE 22
Special Olympics names second early bird winner BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF Special Olympics Arizona’s Copper State Raffle is underway, and tickets are still available, but the second winner of the raffle has been drawn and revealed. Todd Pattee of Waddell is the winner of the second early bird bonus drawing and has the option to choose $10,000 in cash or a vacation to either Australia or Hawaii. The Copper State Raffle features more than 150 prizes, including a Tesla
Model S, a Ford F-150 or $75,000 for the grand prize, as well as other cash prizes, luxurious vacations and a 50/50 drawing. The deadline to enter the grand-prize drawing and 50/50 drawing was Friday, July 30. The 50/50 jackpot sits at more than $80,000, which will be split between the winner and Special Olympics Arizona. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Special Olympics Arizona. “It has been difficult this year to host many of our typical fundraisers that al-
low us the chance to raise money to support our more than 21,000 athletes, but this is a great way to get people involved and raise money for our athletes while getting the chance to win some really great prizes,” said Jamie Heckerman, Special The Copper State Raffle directly helps Special Olympics Olympics Arizona Arizona continue its work for individuals with intellectual president and CEO. disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Arizona)
