Biography

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."
- IMDb mini biography by: Tammy Lynn

Antoinette Abbamonte is a Deaf actress, producer, and founder of Mermaid Signature Production in Hollywood. Born Deaf into a Deaf family, she's known for her powerful roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Switched at Birth, Raising Hope, and The New Normal. She starred in and co-produced the award-winning ASL film Since August and helped pioneer Deaf representation in Marvel's Eternals.

Antoinette works alongside producers Ged Dickersin and Anir Chakravorty, developing a groundbreaking action-thriller film centering on Deaf characters. She has served as ASL Director for Turnover, moderated discussions for Baby Driver, and was the first Deaf student at the American Conservatory Theatre.

A passionate advocate for diversity in Hollywood, she's led the I AM PWD campaign and educates filmmakers, law enforcement, and students about Deaf culture. She is also the author of Gratitude, Trust, Intimacy, and Love with ASL and Tree Wise: Signing Branches.
- IMDb mini biography by: Antoinette

Antoinette Abbamonte is a trailblazing Deaf actress, producer, author, educator, and advocate for the Deaf community. As the CEO and Founder of Mermaid Signature Production in Hollywood, she's devoted her life to elevating Deaf voices and authentic stories through film, theater, and literature. Her mission is to break barriers and shift perceptions, bringing the rich visual language of ASL and the lived experiences of Deaf individuals to mainstream audiences.

Antoinette's decisive leadership shines in her film project Dead Silence, where she also takes on the producer and lead actress roles. Her stories emphasize empowerment, Deaf culture, and meaningful representation, moving far beyond stereotypes. She's passionate about showing Deaf individuals not as victims, but as dynamic, complex people with full lives, strength, and vision.

Her earlier work includes co-producing Since August, a groundbreaking film told entirely in American Sign Language with no voiceover, a testament to her dedication to authentic communication. She's also the author of Tree Wise, The Signing Branches, a children's book that introduces hearing students to Deaf culture in a joyful, educational way.

In addition to her creative endeavors, Antoinette educates police academies on the proper use of certified interpreters when working with Deaf individuals, helping foster better, safer communication in high-stakes situations.

Born to Deaf parents and raised navigating both the Deaf and hearing worlds, Antoinette lives and breathes the bridge between cultures. Her work, spirit, and advocacy inspire generations, and she makes lasting change with every project she touches.
- IMDb mini biography by: Antoinette Abbamonte

Antoinette Abbamonte: Pioneering Deaf Filmmaker, Actor, and Cultural Advocate

Antoinette Abbamonte is a trailblazing Deaf filmmaker, producer, and actor whose body of work centers Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and bold storytelling. A pioneer in Hollywood, Antoinette has spent years advocating for authentic Deaf representation both on and off screen, long before it became part of mainstream conversations.

She is the founder and CEO of Mermaid Signature Production, a visionary film company committed to producing Deaf-centered stories with global reach. Her upcoming feature film, Strength in Silence, is a high-action thriller with a fully Deaf creative team and cast, featuring cinematic American Sign Language (ASL) integration and groundbreaking visual accessibility, including interpreters and open captions built into the film itself.

A Deaf West Theatre veteran and co-producer of Since August, a critically acclaimed film entirely in ASL, Antoinette has mentored and elevated countless Deaf creatives. She is also the author of "Tree Wise, The Signing Branches," an educational book that introduces elementary students to Deaf language and culture.

Antoinette's work isn't just artistic, it's transformational. She is a pioneer forging new space for Deafhood expression, cultural truth, and empowerment through bold, unapologetic storytelling.
- IMDb mini biography by: Antoinette Abbamonte