Actress from Wisconsin stars in upcoming Marvel series
Alaqua Cox graduated in 2015 from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan
Alaqua Cox graduated in 2015 from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan
Alaqua Cox graduated in 2015 from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan
The star of "Echo," Marvel's newest series on Disney+, will star a deaf, Native American actress from Wisconsin.
Alaqua Cox grew up on the Menominee Reservation and graduated from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) in Delavan.
"[Students] have access to communication and American Sign Language, ASL. It's an amazing place to be, and it's a special place here in the state of Wisconsin," longtime art teacher Susan Dupor told 12 News Thursday. "We as a school ... felt very excited to see what she's accomplished as a now actress."
Dupor said Cox ran track and performed in at least one play during her time as a Wisconsin School for the Deaf Firebird.
"For her to be a Marvel character, I'm not surprised because that is who she is," Dupor said.
The alum, who graduated in 2015 with just eight other students, is now in the expansive Marvel universe.
She recently landed a role as "Echo" alongside Jeremy Renner in Hawkeye. Marvel gave her character a spin-series now set to premiere in January.
WSD students told 12 News Thursday they love seeing the deaf community represented in Hollywood.
"It was a shock to me. I couldn't believe that the character wasn't a hearing character, that they were actually deaf," freshman Jelayah Jackson said.
"When I saw that, I couldn't believe that. She was deaf just like I am, and she's also Native American, as well," Jaden Chapman added.
"I think it's really neat that a deaf individual is an actor now and famous, well-known, that came here to such a small school like it is," Amber Robarts said. "That means really any one of us could definitely be like her."
Cox provides inspiration within her alma mater's walls but also far beyond.
"I think it's really important that hearing people can see what deaf people can do, what they can achieve," Dupor said. "And she's definitely made this visible for everybody."
"Echo" will begin streaming on Disney+ on Jan. 10.
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