Rose Ayling-Ellis Quotes

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Profession : Actress

Birth : November 17, 1994

Before I had an agent, I tried to apply for Spotlight membership and was rejected more than once.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I often receive a script that it is not quite right. They will write my characters who are in a room with a big group of people arguing with each other, following everything that is being said and even repeating things back to them.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I'm constantly fighting to have my deaf identity represented but end up being made to feel like my voice isn't heard - I end up feeling torn. Torn between representing the deaf community and telling our story but wanting to have a career with good working relationships.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

It is not nice to feel frustrated and unheard.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

My reality isn't always nice.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

What I do know is that disabled people shouldn't be responsible for curing non-disabled people of their ignorance.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I knew a big part of why 'Strictly' approached me was because I am deaf.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Every job I have been given, I have always been the only deaf person and it always comes with its challenges and issues.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Saying 'no' is a privilege most people take for granted, I knew I would be the first deaf dancer and saying 'no' to that felt wrong. This was a big platform, I knew how popular 'Strictly' was, so, in the end I said yes - I would do it for the deaf community. Little did I know how magical and beautiful it would also be for me personally.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Being the first deaf person to play a regular character is a huge privilege and was long overdue.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

It's been incredibly special to be 'EastEnders' first regular deaf actor.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

It's not enough to make me a pioneer on my own without allowing other deaf people to have a platform, and not only in front of a camera or audience, but behind the scenes too.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

My appearance on 'Strictly' should have encouraged people to seek out other deaf talent, yet how many deaf characters have we seen on TV since?

Rose Ayling-Ellis

You can't write about deaf people without a deaf person's input. Nothing about us, without us. A consultant should be involved at all stages when working with deaf people.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

It's a joy to be deaf.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I just never thought I could do acting full-time.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I never really saw deaf people on TV.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I had to break through countless barriers to get to where I am.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

I am disabled because I live and work in a world that disables me.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

It is my hope that, by sharing my thoughts and feelings, I will encourage you to think about how you can improve the experiences of deaf people when you hire them.

Rose Ayling-Ellis