NYLE DIMARCO

Nyle DiMarco is a trailblazing American model, actor, and activist who has redefined representation for the Deaf community in the entertainment industry. His multifaceted career spans modeling, television, advocacy, and authorship, making him a prominent figure in promoting inclusivity and awareness.​

Early Life and Education

Born on May 8, 1989, in Queens, New York, Nyle DiMarco was raised in a multigenerational Deaf family, with over 25 Deaf relatives, including his parents and siblings . He grew up in Frederick, Maryland, where he attended the Maryland School for the Deaf. DiMarco later graduated from Gallaudet University in 2013 with a degree in mathematics . American Sign Language (ASL) is his first language, and he is also proficient in lip-reading and nonverbal communication.​

Modeling and Television Career

DiMarco's modeling career began in 2014, and he gained national attention when he competed in cycle 22 of "America's Next Top Model" in 2015. He made history as the show's first Deaf contestant and emerged as the winner, becoming the second male and first Deaf winner in the series . Following this, he participated in season 22 of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2016, where he and his partner, Peta Murgatroyd, won the competition, marking him as the first Deaf winner of the show .​

Acting and Production Work

Beyond modeling and dancing, DiMarco has pursued acting, with roles in television series such as "Switched at Birth," "Difficult People," "This Close," "Station 19," and "Queer as Folk" . He has also ventured into production, serving as an executive producer for the Netflix docuseries "Deaf U" and the Oscar-nominated short documentary "Audible," both of which focus on Deaf culture and experiences .

Advocacy and Authorship

A passionate advocate for the Deaf community, DiMarco founded the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, aiming to improve access to resources for Deaf children and their families. He is also involved with the LEAD-K campaign, promoting language equality and acquisition for Deaf kids . In 2022, he published his memoir, "Deaf Utopia: A Memoir—and a Love Letter to a Way of Life," offering insights into his life and advocating for greater Deaf representation in media .​

Nyle DiMarco continues to break barriers and advocate for inclusivity, using his platform to inspire and effect positive change for the Deaf community and beyond.