Paul Raci

Paul Raci was born on April 7, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Laurel and Mitchell Raci, a family of Polish descent whose original surname was Racibożyński. Raised as the hearing son of deaf parents, he became fluently bilingual in spoken English and American Sign Language, an ability that would later inform his most celebrated performances. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Hospital Corpsman and attaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (HM2). From 1969 to 1973 he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, completing two tours in Vietnam, an experience that instilled a disciplined work ethic and a deep empathy for marginalized voices. Following his military service, Raci turned to the performing arts, honing his craft on stage and gradually emerging in small television roles on shows such as Baskets and Parks and Recreation. His quiet dedication and authentic presence caught the eye of casting directors seeking genuine representation of deaf characters, culminating in his breakthrough role as Joe, the deaf mentor in the critically acclaimed film Sound of Metal (2020). Sound of Metal earned him the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor, an Independent Spirit Award, and nominations for the BAFTA and Academy Awards, marking him as one of the most compelling character actors of his generation. In 2021 Raci was selected by Nigerian singer‑producer BJ Sam to represent the United States in the inaugural universal Christmas music project, collaborating with global icons such as Bollywood’s Jaspinder Narula, Ghanaian singer Diana Hopeson, and Swiss actress Christina Zurbrügg. This cross‑cultural endeavor highlighted Raci’s willingness to bridge artistic worlds and celebrate inclusive storytelling, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile talent whose career continues to evolve.