Angel Theory

Angel Theory
Born (1999-05-19) May 19, 1999 (age 25)
Far Rockaway, Queens, New York U.S.
Occupations
  • Actress
  • Choreographer
  • Dancer
Years active2001–present
Known forThe Walking Dead (2018–2022)
FamilyAnna Simpson (mother)

Angel Theory is an American actress, known for playing Kelly on the series The Walking Dead. She is also a dancer and choreographer.

Life and career

Theory was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York.[1] Her mother is Anna Simpson. Theory trained as a dancer in multiple styles of dance at the Broadway Dance Center, EXPG studios and Peridance Studios.[1] She performed in the music videos for Wish You Were Mine by Phillip George and Stranger To Love by Charles Perry.[1]

After a car crash, she began experiencing hearing loss at age 14.[2] Her hearing loss progressively worsened as she got older.[2] Theory told Insider, "I remember how depressed, devastated, and angry I got with myself after my hearing loss. My mom told me, 'It's not a disability, it's your damn superpower.'"[3]

For the television series The Walking Dead, she applied for the role of Connie.[3] Showrunner Angela Kang told Insider they were "so compelled by Angel," she was cast as Connie's sister, Kelly.[3] Kang also told Insider that with Theory's agreement, her progressive hearing loss has been incorporated into the plot of The Walking Dead, including the line of encouragement from her mother.[3] Theory has also been teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to the cast of The Walking Dead.[3]

Theory also stars as Olivia, a hard of hearing/deaf teacher, in the series Kinderfanger,[4] and is an executive producer.[5] In her role as co-executive producer, Theory has been able to advise the show creators about realistic representation of Hard of Hearing or Deaf people.[6]

Filmography

Television roles
Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2018–2022 The Walking Dead Kelly Recurring (seasons 9–11), main (Season 11); 34 episodes
2020–2021 Kinderfanger Olivia Also executive producer [4][5]
2020 "I Dare You" Music video Music video by Kelly Clarkson [7]
2020 Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Deaf Dorm Dancer Uncredited

References

  1. ^ a b c DeVault, Ryan (November 12, 2018). "Who is Angel Theory on The Walking Dead? Meet actress and dancer behind Kelly". Monsters and Critics. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Hatzipanagos, Rachel (December 16, 2020). "'Walking Dead' star Angel Theory on navigating acting while hard of hearing". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e Acuna, Kirsten. "One of the most emotional moments on 'The Walking Dead's' season premiere is inspired by a star's progressive hearing loss and a line her mother told her". Insider. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Mauch, Ally (October 23, 2020). "The Walking Dead's Angel Theory Stars in New Trailer for Supernatural Series Kinderfanger". People. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Carter Jr., Terry (December 23, 2020). "Angel Theory Revealed Which Character She Thinks Will Be The Last Standing On "The Walking Dead"". Buzzfeed. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  6. ^ Gooden, Tai (December 16, 2020). "Angel Theory on KINDERFÄNGER and Deaf Representation". Nerdist. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  7. ^ Derrington, Ashley (May 4, 2020). "Kelly Clarkson releases new ASL video for song 'I Dare You". Kelly Clarkson. Retrieved July 8, 2021.