Bloomberg’s sign language interpreter becomes Superstorm’s breakout star
As New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg addressed concerned citizens about storm damage and safety issues, all eyes were on his sign language interpreter Lydia Callis, 30.
Callis’ larger-than-life facial expressions and dramatic gestures provided a rare moment of joy during the unfolding natural disaster that has left at least 55 lives and millions still without power.
Her performances have made the petite, impeccably dressed Callis a viral web sensation and she’s garnered a legion of fans on social media sites like Twitter and Tumblr.
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Quietly brilliant: For many, the best part about Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Hurricane Sandy briefings was interpreter Lydia Callis (left).
Ms Callis in action: Viewers have praised her impressive range of facial expressions
New York Magazine wrote that Callis has given people “a legitimate reason to smile” during these trying times.
“In contrast to Bloomberg’s own stilted Spanish, another highlight of the updates, Callis’ signing is both lightning fast and emotional, her animated face lighting up and grimacing happily as she walks, not unlike a guitarist during a blistering solo.”
‘Lightning and emotional’: Ms Callis doesn’t appear ready to embrace her newfound fame and has turned down interview requests, simply saying, ‘I’m honored to have been able to spread the message.’
WHO IS LYDIA CALLIS?
A few facts are known about Callis:
In 2010 she graduated from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology as an interpreter.
Her mother and three siblings are all deaf, so she has been interpreting for them since they were children.
She also works as an American Sign Language interpreter for schools, hospitals and businesses.
“I’m telling you, the real star of Mayor Bloomberg’s press conferences is this animated sign language translator that he has. Can’t look away,” Twitter user @JCamm_ wrote on Oct. 29.
“I love this lady,” wrote one commenter on a YouTube video of her performance. “They block stupid news on TV so they can show footage of something. But this lady is amazing.’
Callis has so far turned down interview requests, although she recently said so New York Post: “I am here to serve the deaf and hard of hearing community. I’m just glad and honored that I was able to spread the message…that’s what it’s all about.”
There are at least seven American Sign Language and Deaf schools in New York City and Long Island.
VIDEO: Watch footage of Lydia Callis paired with the Ace of Base song “The Sign”:
