Antoinette Abbamonte

An actor, producer, and advocate, Deaf Antoinette Abbamonte pushes boundaries within the entertainment industry and beyond. Also, the owner and founder of Mermaid Signature Production for film within the Hollywood Industry. She announced her being the initiator and creator of introducing the first Deaf superhero utilized by Disney in the Eternals released November 2020 and gained attention for her portrayal as the perceptive 'Lisa Chesnick' opposite Larry David in his critically acclaimed HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. Her standout television roles include appearances on the beloved ABC Family series Switched At Birth, and two FOX hit-comedy shows, Raising Hope and Ryan Murphy's The New Normal. Music fans recognize her as a Deaf mother exploring her relationship with her hearing daughter in rock band Adelitas Way's music video Alive, from award-winning director Gavin Bowden. Antoinette works with producers Ged Dickersin and Anir Chakravorty, as well as writers Dwayne Alexander Smith and Ben Ramsey. Antoinette is also an actor and producer for this upcoming Action Mystery Sci-Fi film. Deaf women and men are models for the future of hearing by being the first to have microchips implanted in their brains. When they discover these implants are covertly used to weaponize them, they turn the tables on the villain, using their unique skills and getting ready to move to the next development phase. Furthermore, Antoinette just finished as an actor and co-producer of the last independent film. Since August, this talented actor has aspired to bridge the gap in the hearing world with her insightful role in the new feature film. The story follows a young girl searching for redemption whose journey ultimately helps a Deaf woman find her freedom and receive the award for best picture in New York City. Also, Since August, the film has been nominated for best film at the 24th Shanghai International Film Festival Golden Goblet Awards. Antoinette seeks to advance artistic boundaries for herself and the industry in many ways. In addition to starring in it, since August, she has stepped into the project as a consultant, working closely with the editing team on using closed and open captions. Antoinette previously worked as a moderator on Edgar Wright's critically acclaimed feature film Baby Driver. American Sign Language Director alongside celebrated director/writer Linda Palmer on the indie feature Turnover. A Brooklyn, New York native, Deaf from birth and raised in a Deaf family, Antoinette was accepted as the first Deaf student at the renowned American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. She went on to study at the National Theatre of the Deaf, pushing herself and the other actors around her to new heights. Since then, she has performed on numerous stages nationwide, including a national tour of Children of a Lesser God with Cleveland SignStage Theatre Company and as 'Peggy' in South Coast Repertory's Found On Pandora Avenue production. Antoinette has taught theatre workshops at Deaf West Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, Deaf Arts Council, Deaf Media, Opera Piccola, and other schools and theaters for children. Currently, she works with hearing and Deaf home-school students in the Los Angeles area, directing and instructing ASL. and drama. Antoinette participated in the children's video Sign and ABC for Alymer Press. Finally, she authored the insightful Gratitude, Trust, Intimacy, Love and the children's book Tree Wise. An advocate for artists of diversity and with disabilities in Hollywood for years, Antoinette continues to encourage production teams to consider Deaf actors not only when written for a Deaf individual but in any role. In the successful SAG., AFTRA, and AEA tri-union campaign I.AM was instrumental. PWD (Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People With Disabilities) has represented Deaf Actors on panels and at conferences nationwide. Antoinette helped lead the charge as a Women In Film committee member. She speaks at industry events nationwide to help guide and educate filmmakers, directors, and producers on career opportunities related to diversity and people with disabilities. Antoinette is a proud activist off-screen, seeking to level the playing field for the Deaf community. Among her victories, she negotiated with the Los Angeles Science and Discovery Museums to add subtitles and open/closed captions to educational films to ensure Deaf children receive equal learning opportunities. Currently proudly working with the Los Angeles police academy presentation/consultant about Deaf culture and language. Antoinette believes "it's simply a different language and culture, so those who practice inclusion will reap the benefits with a more fulfilling life."