PITTSBURGH — There’s a movie star living among the residents of Pittsburgh, and she’s just getting started.
Cinephiles who saw Millicent Simmonds in 2017’s “Wonderstruck” probably weren’t fully aware of who she was until her turn as Regan Abbott in 2018’s “A Quiet Place” and last year’s “A Quiet Place Part II.” The 19-year-old Bountiful, Utah, native moved with her family to Pittsburgh in fall of 2020 and has been living in the Steel City ever since.
The Post-Gazette recently caught up with Simmonds to discuss how she’s enjoying life as a yinzer, the movies and shows she’s currently working on, and the Millie ASL Mama Charm she recently designed for Cut+Clarity as a Mother’s Day gift in honor of her mom, Emily Simmonds. The 14-karat gold charm is currently on sale for $300 through cutandclarity.co.
“When the founder, Mariana Russo Chambers, invited me to design something, I wanted it to be unique and not the same ‘I love you’ sign in ASL that is everywhere,” Simmonds told the Post-Gazette. “I chose to celebrate the sign for ‘mother’ in American Sign Language, and Cut+Clarity dedicated their Mother’s Day campaign to it.”
Simmonds is deaf, so this interview was conducted via email. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: So, now that you've been living in the Pittsburgh area for more than a year and a half, what do you think of the place?
A: I love Pittsburgh. The fall here is so beautiful and I love the rolling hills. The people here are so nice. We have really enjoyed it so far.
Q: Now that pandemic restrictions have eased, have you been able to explore more and develop some favorite local haunts?
A: We have! Federal Galley is one of my favorite places to eat. I love it there. The Boathouse and walking around North Park is also a favorite. My family just bought kayaks last year so we've been kayaking a lot, too. [ZIGsZEN Salon & Grooming Lounge] is my favorite in Wexford and I love Slippery Mermaid in Sewickley!
Q: Are you finding that Pittsburgh has all the resources you need? And are you finding a deaf community here?
A: I was able to visit Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and attend their gala. I was so impressed with their programs and am looking forward to visiting again soon.
I also have to say how excited I was when I attended a Pirates game last year and saw captions in the stadium! GO PIRATES! I can't wait to go back.
Q: How often do you get recognized around here?
A: I have to say that when I do get recognized, people are so nice, have been so complimentary, and have tried to be so respectful of me and my family.
Q: How insane was it for you when everyone realized you were the secret weapon of “A Quiet Place: Part II”? Can you say anything about the threequel that’s currently aiming for a 2025 release date?
A: It was pretty insane for me personally and I felt a lot of responsibility. It was such an huge honor to be able to portray the first deaf character in a film that didn't focus on the character's deafness, and instead focused on her grit and determination to help others. It's a character I’m honored to play.
So much credit goes to (“A Quiet Place Part II” writer-director) John Krasinski for writing that character. We need more Johns in the world. And as far as the threequel, you know as much as I do! I don’t know a lot about it yet but fingers crossed Regan continues her journey! I would love to work with everyone again.
Q: Tell me about how instrumental it was for your life and development that your mom made sure you learned ASL from a young age.
A: Sign language has impacted my life in every way. First and foremost a deaf child needs a primary language. They need to be able to communicate — and American Sign Language gives them the ability to communicate. ASL is the only guarantee a parent has to communicate with their deaf child.
Had my mother solely relied on cochlear implants and not learned sign language, I can't imagine how frustrating that would have been for both of us. There is no risk to learning sign language. However, you are risking family relationships if you don't. Who wants to risk that?
Q: Tell me about how this Mother’s Day campaign honors her and contributes to helping young deaf children.
A: Seeing ASL in public is important and helps it become an accepted and celebrated language. I designed the Millie ASL Mama Charm to inspire parents with deaf kids and encourage them to learn ASL. 100% of profits go to SKI-HI Deaf Mentors, a nonprofit that teaches hearing families with deaf children ASL.
Q: What's your best short pitch on why your ASL charm makes such a great Mother's Day gift?
A: “Mom” was the word I first signed. I would not have the opportunities or career I have without knowing ASL — and that’s a decision my mom made when I was an infant. That’s why I chose the sign “MOM” for the Cut+Clarity Millie ASL Mama pendant.
Seeing ASL in public is important and helps it become an accepted and celebrated language. I hope the Millie ASL Mama charm inspires parents with deaf kids and encourages them to learn the language. It’s a beautiful language.
Q: Real quick: You were recently cast to play disability rights activist Helen Keller in the movie “Helen & Teacher,” right? How cool is it that?
A: Taking on the role of Helen Keller is a huge responsibility. She is not just a character on a page or in a movie. I have always been inspired by her story. We are taking our time and really want to get it right. Seeing more people like Helen Keller on screen is as important as seeing them work behind the scenes.
I’m also currently executive producing and starring in a TV series adapted from a book called “True Biz” by Deaf author Sara Novic. It is now a New York Times bestseller! We are really excited. It will be the first series led by two Deaf women!
