Troy Kotsur is the first deaf man nominated for an acting Oscar

Troy Kotsur says his character in the film CODA is "kinda like a papa bear." The Oscar nominee is seen here with co-star Marlee Matlin in New York City last November.

Kotsur was born deaf and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. In CODA, he plays a father whose teenage daughter is passionate about singing.

(Image credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute)

Kotsur was born deaf and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. In CODA, he plays a father whose teenage daughter is passionate about singing.