Deaf Performers at Super Bowl LVIII
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), LOVE SIGN, and the NFL proudly announce that Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 11, 2024 will feature Deaf performers Daniel Durant, Anjel Piñero, and Shaheem Sanchez during pregame festivities. Actor Daniel Durant, who starred in the Academy Award-winning movie “CODA,” will perform the National Anthem in ASL; actress and model Anjel Piñero will sign “America the Beautiful;” and Shaheem Sanchez, actor, dancer, and choreographer, will sign “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Sanchez will also perform the ASL Halftime Show. The ASL pre-game performances and the ASL Halftime show will be produced in partnership with Alexis Kashar of LOVE SIGN and Howard Rosenblum of the NAD. Information on where to best watch these sign language performances will be shared when it becomes available.
Daniel Durant
Daniel Durant is best known for his starring role as Leo Rossi in CODA, a film that garnered three Oscars (2022), including Best Picture. Daniel received numerous accolades for his work in the movie, including: a Screen Actor’s Guild Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture; a Sundance Award for Best Ensemble, a HCA Spotlight Award; and the AFI Award for Best Ensemble. Daniel most recently appeared in Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars and the 2023 Dancing with the Stars Tour. Daniel is also well known for his role as “Moritz” in the Broadway theatrical production of Spring Awakening, and for this performance, won the Theatre World Award for Outstanding 2016 Broadway Debut Performance. Over the years, Daniel has acted in several theater productions. In addition, Daniel has appeared in several television series, including the series “You,” “Chicago Med,” “Florida Man,” and a recurring role on “Switched at Birth.” [photo credit: Apple]
Anjel Piñero
Anjel Piñero is an actor and model who placed in the top 23 of the 2023 Miss New York USA pageant and is competing in the 2024 Miss New York USA pageant. Anjel has performed in many roles on television, video, promotions, and stage. She has appeared in Law and Order SVU, as well as in ASL promotions of Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Kenan and Kel. Anjel has been featured in ads for Android, Mercari, and Apple. Anjel’s theatrical performances include productions of: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at Gallaudet University; Into the Wood Little Red at Lincoln Center New York City; Here, All Dwell Free Handless Maiden at New York University; and The Music Man at Olney Theatre Center. Anjel was the Valedictorian of the 2018 graduating class of the New York School for the Deaf – Fanwood. [photo credit: Miss New York USA Team]
Shaheem Sanchez
Shaheem Sanchez is an actor, performer, dancer and dance choreographer who is well known for his online presence which both entertains and teaches ASL to thousands of followers. Shaheem’s dance career has earned admiration from many professionals and followers. Shaheem’s professional journey has included collaborations with music artists such as Ciara, Usher, and Snoop Dogg. He has also worked alongside esteemed actors like Academy Award-winner Troy Kotsur. In 2019, Shaheem made his feature film debut in the feature film “Sound of Metal.” Shaheem has been involved in various promotions for Apple Music and Apple TV+. During the 2023 season, the NFL produced the “Drip by NFL” campaign, launching a national commercial starring Shaheem. As the founder of Feel the Music, Shaheem pledges to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities. He currently resides in Los Angeles. [photo credit: Julien Billy]
SOURCE: https://www.nad.org/2024/01/18/deaf-performers-at-super-bowl-lviii/