Keivonn Woodard, a deaf hockey player from Bowie, just snagged an Emmy nomination for his role in HBO’s “The Last of Us,” making him the youngest ever in that category. Everyone’s super proud of him, and he’s still dreaming big to become a pro hockey player!
Here are the highlights:
- Keivonn Woodard, a deaf Bowie hockey player, has been nominated for an Emmy for his role in HBO’s ‘The Last of Us.’
- He is the youngest actor ever nominated in the guest actor category.
- Keivonn portrays Sam, a character whose role was modified for better representation of disabilities.
- His audition impressed co-creator Craig Mazin, leading to his casting despite having no prior acting experience.
- Keivonn’s nomination is alongside seasoned actors like Nick Offerman and James Cromwell.
- The Bowie hockey community is celebrating his achievements in both hockey and acting.
- Keivonn receives support from an ASL interpreter during hockey games and practices.
- Amanda Tischler from the Capitals expressed excitement for Keivonn’s nomination.
- Lori Jones from the Bowie Hockey Club highlighted the significance of his achievements for the deaf community.
- Keivonn remains focused on his goal of becoming a professional hockey player.
- The community is eagerly anticipating the Emmy Awards on September 18, despite potential delays due to the writers’ strike.
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Bowie Hockey Player and HBO Star Nominated for Emmy
Keivonn Woodard, a deaf Bowie hockey player and first-time actor, has been nominated for an Emmy for his performance in the HBO series "The Last of Us."
The nomination makes Keivonn the youngest actor ever to be nominated in the guest actor category.
Nicknamed "Hollywood" by his teammates and coaches for his exuberant goal celebrations, Keivonn portrays the character of Sam in the post-apocalyptic zombie thriller.
The role was modified by series co-creator Craig Mazin to increase representation of people with disabilities. Finding a young, deaf, Black actor fluent in American sign language proved challenging, but Keivonn's audition video grabbed Mazin's attention.
Mazin commended Keivonn's exceptional talent and highlighted the significance of this achievement. Despite having no prior acting experience, Keivonn traveled to an unfamiliar country and stepped onto the set of one of television's most prominent shows.
Keivonn's nomination places him in the company of seasoned actors Nick Offerman, also from "The Last of Us", and James Cromwell from "Succession." The cast and production team of "The Last of Us" have received a total of 24 Emmy nominations, solidifying the show's critical acclaim.
The Bowie hockey community have been celebrating Keivonn's success in hockey as well as Hollywood. As a deaf athlete, Keivonn receives support from an American Sign Language interpreter during games and practices. The Bowie Hockey Club, in collaboration with the Washington Capitals, have been partnering to ensure Keivonn can fully participate in the sport.
Amanda Tischler, senior vice president of marketing for the Capitals, expressed her elation for Keivonn's historic nomination, stating the team was excited to cheer him on during his red carpet debut.
Lori Jones, president of the Bowie Hockey Club, emphasized the significance of his achievements, highlighting the message his success sends, particularly within the deaf community. Jones hopes Keivonn's story serves as a beacon of hope for others to pursue their ambitions and shatter barriers.
Despite the whirlwind of acting accolades, Keivonn remains focused on his aspiration to be a professional hockey player. Meeting his idols, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and former Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly, earlier this year fueled his passion for the sport.
As the community rallies behind Keivonn, his family, friends, and supporters eagerly anticipate the Emmy Awards scheduled for September 18. While the ongoing Hollywood writers' strike may impact the date, it won't dampen the pride radiating from his greater Bowie family.