Shoshannah Stern

Shoshannah Stern is a talented American actress and writer, born in Walnut Creek, California, into a fourth-generation deaf family with deep Jewish roots. Growing up in an observant household, she is the daughter of Ron and Hedy Marilyn Stern (née Udkovich) and the sister of writer Louise Stern and political scientist Brendan Stern, who also served as Gallaudet Men's Basketball Coach. Both of her grandmothers are Holocaust survivors, adding to her rich family history. Stern was raised in Fremont, California, where she attended the California School for the Deaf.

Fluent in American Sign Language, Stern also possesses the ability to read lips and communicate in English without an interpreter. She furthered her education at Gallaudet University, the world’s only liberal arts college for the deaf. On June 3, 2012, she married Ricky Mitchell in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and they welcomed their daughter in February 2015, currently living in Hollywood, California.

Stern's career took off with her notable role as Holly Brodeen in ABC's *Threat Matrix*, a character specifically written for her after a director's recommendation. She has appeared in various series, including *Weeds*, *ER*, *Cold Case*, and played Bonnie Richmond in *Jericho*. Her character Eileen Leahy in *Supernatural* and a recurring role in *Lie to Me* further showcased her versatility. In 2020, she made history with her recurring role as a deaf doctor on *Grey's Anatomy*.

In 2025, Stern will debut as a director with the documentary *Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore*, set to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.