HOLLYWOOD—Deaf actress icon, Phyllis Frelich passed away on April 10, at the age of 70. The actress died from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare degenerative neurological disease.
Frelich, the eldest of nine children, who along with her family are all deaf, gained fame from her performance in the Broadway show “Children of a Lesser God.” After being rewarded a Tony Award in 1980 in the best actress category, she gained support from the deaf community and quickly rose to fame.
The actress is also known for interpreting singer Jewel’s rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXII. Following her death, the Deaf West Theatre released the following statement: “You paved so many roads for us, Phyllis. A leading light of our community has been lost, and we mourn deeply. Our thoughts are with her family.”
Frelich leaves behind her husband Robert Steinberg and their two children.
