Mayor John Giles of Mesa today honored Troy Kotsur, Mesa native, acclaimed actor and the first deaf man to win an Academy Award, with a key to the city. The event was held at Mesa Arts Center with family, friends and supporters gathered in celebration.
"We're beyond proud of Troy's accomplishments and so thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate him in his hometown," said Mesa Mayor John Giles. "Troy's story is one of perseverance and he sets a remarkable example of dedication and commitment in achieving one of the highest honors of his field."
Troy was awarded an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in March 2022 for his role in the film CODA. He was also recognized with a Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics' Choice Award, Gotham Award, Independent Spirit Award and BAFTA Award for the same role. Troy has been acting and directing for over 20 years, including as a Tusken Raider on Disney+'s The Mandalorian, wherein he created an adapted form of sign language for that series and The Book of Boba Fett.
"It is such a special honor to receive the key to the City of Mesa, the place where I was born and raised, and will always consider home. I'm grateful for the love and support of everyone in the community who have stood by me and supported me through the years," said Kotsur. "I'm very proud to be able to share this recognition with my family and friends, right here in my hometown."
Troy's father, Leonard Kotsur, served as Mesa's Police Chief and his brothers, Brian and Kevin, also had careers in public safety, serving as the City of Mesa's Fire and Medical Deputy Chief and as Chief of Police in Avondale, respectively. Troy's grandfather, Joe True, retired from Mesa Police as the City's first motor officer. Troy is a graduate of Mesa's Westwood High School and studied at Gallaudet University. He has collected acting and directing credits that include a role in the Tony-award-winning run of Big River on Broadway, several guest appearances on television and directing the film No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie.
Following the presentation, Troy was interviewed by Mayor Giles for the It's Always Cool in Mesa podcast. The audio and video episode will be released in the coming weeks.