Everybody's talking about Nyle DiMarco. As a current contestant on America's Next Top Model and the newest heartthrob of Switched At Birth, he is rising to fame... and he's bringing the rest of the Deaf community along with him.
What makes Nyle truly beautiful? Watch his story and be moved. Learn more about Beyoutiful at convorelay.com/beyoutiful-nyle/
[TRANSCRIPT]
Nyle: When I think about it, one of my favorite memories is actually a little funny. I was on my bike...
Mom: It was a big family gathering and everybody brought their bikes. Ummm, I think home to the park was probably, I'd say a good 2-1/2 to 3 miles.
Uncle: After driving to the park, they removed the bikes from the car and just started playing around.
The kids went out on the bikes just having a great time!
Maybe about 20 or 30 minutes later...
I was lost and we were separated and I had to figure out what to do.
Where was he? We couldn't find him. We looked all...
...over and over! We couldn't find him!
...and I didn't know what to do. I was alone, I was 9 or 8 years old.
I thought, "He's gotta be at home!"
We drove home and as we rounded the corner, there it was! That bicycle was parked!
He was just sitting there, waiting for us.
And I looked over and my mom pulled up.
We found him! (overcome with relief) "Ahhhh!
I could not believe it!
He was just sitting there! (chuckle with disbelief) "Ahhh"
He's a very adventurous boy. He is not the kind of boy just to sit and wait for things to happen. He's very curious. He wants to know what's "out there".
That industry is cut-throat. Either you make it or you don't.
I just want to do it! Even if people are saying, "No, don't!" I don't want to live my life with "if's".
Just be yourself.
If the Deaf community truly understands what we need and we work together, use our Deaf Ecosystem, we could go so far. We could go to different places, bigger places, better places!
Fan: Hi, I'm Nyle. "Nyle"
So #DeafTalent is really important. For a long time, many roles and many positions have been taken by hearing people when they were really meant for Deaf people.
#DeafTalent would help people search for Deaf who fit those roles.
We need to show them that there are many talented people out there that are Deaf.
Through family and friends who use Convo, I thought, "Hmm, I should use Convo" and Wow, the interpreters are out of this world! When I sign to them I feel like, "Are they Deaf?"
Plus, being Deaf-owned that's a huge bonus to me. I've always thought that people should use Deaf-owned companies.
My whole family lives in one big house. That's the way it's always been since I was born. I was born to my parents, but also to my grandparents and my uncle.
Uncle: Want to take a picture of your head?
Man: I'll try and compete with you.
My family is very close. It's a knot that you can't break or untie. We moved to Texas, my grandparents moved with us. When we moved to Maryland, we stuck together.
When I think "Family" - It's the entire family in one house. Period.
(To nephew) You think I'll make it? We'll see.
Before ANTM, I did have a strategy on what to do on a reality competition show and how to win it until a friend told me, "Nah, just be yourself. People already love you.
It was a different experience and yeah, a draining experience. My language access was gone. It was tough and I realized that the Deaf community is my community. Period.
They mean a lot to me. I always say that I would never be where I am if it were not for them.
Grandpa: Now I look at him and he's all grown up! And he's even more handsome than me. I'm surprised! (Laugh)
Every Sunday the whole family gets together and we have Italian food: pasta, meatloaf, bread.
Nyle: Really, if there is a family core it's the dinner table.
Mom: You know, not many families realize that dinnertime is a very critical moment.
Uncle: Our family always supports each other in raising children. We love and respect each other.
Grandpa: She makes the best homemade cake!
Mom: I'm happy that you've experienced this, because I grew up that way.
I want to thank you for being there when I went through some really difficult times. And that's where you learn - from family values.
You helped me heal. Thank you, Nyle.
Nyle: Of course, anything for my mother. I'll always be there.
Mom: I love you.
Nyle: I am Nyle. I am fearless, random and real.