WASHINGTON, D.C. — Duluth actor Daniel Durant joined other "CODA" cast members in an emotional visit to the White House on Tuesday afternoon, with President Joe Biden telling the actors how much their movie meant to the entire nation.
The visit first became public knowledge when actor Marlee Matlin, who stars in "CODA" as Jackie, the mother of Durant's character Leo, tweeted an image of herself along with Durant and fellow cast members Emilia Jones (Ruby) and Troy Kotsur (Frank). "We were blown away when (President Biden) and (first lady Jill Biden) told us that they loved ("CODA") and its theme of family authenticity," Matlin wrote on Twitter. "We also found out that the White House staff cried when they watched the film!"
We are in the White House Screening Room. Meanwhile, we were blown away when @potus and @FLOTUS told us that they loved #CODAfilm and its theme of family authenticity. We also found out that the White House staff cried when they watched the film! 🤟🏻🤟🏻 @appletvplus pic.twitter.com/3jN7fOKP8c
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) March 23, 2022
The Hollywood Reporter later filled out the story behind the visit: The cast members were invited "to come meet with the White House Domestic Policy Council and Office of Public Engagement to discuss inclusion, access and employment for Deaf Americans, as well as have a meet-and-greet with Dr. (Jill) Biden."
When the cast members arrived, after the meeting, for a private tour of the White House, they were surprised by the United States Marine Band performing the song "You're All I Need to Get By," which Jones sings in the film. Durant, Matlin and Kotsur are deaf; the actors placed their hands on a piano to feel the vibrations of the music.
Jill Biden then surprised the actors by leading them into the Oval Office, where they were greeted by President Biden. "I assume you understand the impact you had on the whole country," the president said as Durant stood beside him in the Oval Office. The first lady later shared clips of the visit on social media.
ADVERTISEMENT
The White House visit marked the latest step in an extraordinary journey for the team behind "CODA," which was written and directed by Sian Heder and released by Apple TV+, where it is currently available to stream. The $10 million movie has landed a raft of Hollywood's most coveted awards, and may add up to three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, on Sunday .
Last August, as buzz for the film grew, Durant told the News Tribune that he was "thrilled" at the film's success. "I really hope this will help change things in the world for the better, increase seeing ASL (American Sign Language) on screen."
