Nyle DiMarco has always been a trailblazer. If you know his story, you’re aware that his journey from the classroom to stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. Back in 2015, DiMarco made history as the first deaf contestant to win Cycle 22 of "America’s Next Top Model." What’s even more remarkable is how he’s leveraged that fame to become a powerful advocate for the deaf community, a sought-after model, actor, and producer.
Let’s rewind a bit to when DiMarco was just stepping into the limelight. At that time, he was contemplating a return to his roots in teaching math. But winning "ANTM" flipped his world upside down. DiMarco’s stint on the show wasn’t just about glitz and glam—it was a mix of nerve-wracking challenges and exhilarating breakthroughs. "It was challenging and exhilarating at the same time," he shared with PEOPLE. Being thrust into an environment where he had to constantly adapt pushed him beyond his comfort zone and made him rely on his strengths in visual cues, lip reading, and sometimes, his sign language interpreter, who wasn’t always present.
Despite the hurdles, DiMarco remains incredibly grateful for the platform "ANTM" provided. "It was important for me to consistently insert myself to prove that being deaf does not limit one’s ability to move through life or succeed in any field," he reflects. His approach was to take on every challenge head-on, including the iconic "night creatures in the dark" photoshoot. Imagine this: posing in pitch black, without the ability to see or hear anything, relying solely on vibrations to know when to strike a pose. "It was tricky, but the photographer and I laughed the entire time," DiMarco says with a smile. This moment wasn’t just a test of his modeling skills—it was a testament to his resilience and creativity.
Winning "ANTM" catapulted DiMarco into the spotlight, but it also brought unexpected challenges. He had anticipated that his newfound fame would lead to easy opportunities in acting and modeling. However, the reality was quite different. The entertainment industry, at the time, was not fully equipped to authentically incorporate deaf perspectives. "Writers, directors, and producers struggled with including me in their projects," DiMarco admits. "They simply weren't familiar with my world." This lack of understanding was a significant hurdle, but it also sparked a new direction for DiMarco’s career.
Determined to fill this gap, DiMarco founded his own production company, Clerc Studio. This move wasn’t just about creating more opportunities for himself but also about changing the narrative around disability and deaf representation in media. Fast forward nearly a decade, and DiMarco’s view of "ANTM" remains unchanged. He still sees it as an incredible opportunity and a major stepping stone in his career. "Tyra and I do still keep in touch from time to time," he says. "I’m forever grateful for the opportunity she provided me and the doors that opened after."
Looking back, DiMarco doesn’t have major regrets, but he does offer some sage advice for his younger self. "I’d tell myself not to be afraid to ask questions," he says. "I was so new back then and had to figure out most things myself, but you might be surprised at how willing people are to help." His message is clear: don’t let uncertainty hold you back. The key to success often lies in asking for help and taking that next step, no matter how daunting it might seem.
Nyle DiMarco’s story is a powerful reminder of breaking barriers and creating change. From his groundbreaking win on "ANTM" to his ongoing efforts to amplify deaf voices in entertainment, DiMarco’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. His ability to transform challenges into opportunities and to push the boundaries of what’s possible continues to inspire and make waves in the industry.
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