Don’t mess with Troy Kotsur.
The Oscar-winning actor, 57, takes on a new persona as Joe Mancuso, an intimidating underworld figure in Netflix’s new crime drama “Black Rabbit,” which also stars Jude Law as a restaurateur who is forced into nefarious activities when his brother, played by Jason Bateman, returns to town.
“I heard a lot of stories in the deaf community that really helped me develop my character,” he told The Post exclusively at the show’s premiere last week in New York.
Troy Kotsur talking to The Post at Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” New York premiere at SVA Theatre on Sept. 16, 2025, in New York City.Page Six
He explained the challenges of the role and how he prepared to play the mobster.Page Six
Troy Kotsur as Joe Mancuso in “Black Rabbit.”COURTESY OF NETFLIX
The “Foundation” star explained that “back in the ’60s and ’70s, a lot of deaf people were unemployed” and were forced to earn money, sometimes illegally.
“Before the ADA, there wasn’t a lot of unemployment for the deaf community, so we had to sustain ourselves, sometimes through a lot of black market activity,” he explained, noting that hearing people aren’t really aware of that history, but it’s something that “us deaf folk are aware of.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law, enacted in 1990, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and includes deaf people having access to relay services for communication.
Troy Kotsur attends Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” New York premiere at SVA Theatre on Sept. 16, 2025, in New York City.Getty Images
(L to R) Forrest Weber as Junior, Chris Coy as Babbit, Jason Bateman as Vince in “Black Rabbit.”COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Troy Kotsur as Joe Mancuso in “Black Rabbit.”COURTESY OF NETFLIX
He added that it “was a lot of fun for me, and a bit of a challenge, playing a villain, who happens to be deaf.”
Kotsur made history in 2022 when he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the comedy-drama “CODA.” He is the first deaf male (and second overall deaf actor) to win an Academy Award. The first was Marlee Matlin, who played his wife in the film.
“The Mandalorian” star joked that real life doesn’t imitate art, at least when it comes to “Black Rabbit.”
Jude Law and Jason Bateman in “Black Rabbit.”©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Troy Kotsur onstage during the “Primate” special screening at Galaxy Theatres Austin on Sept. 19, 2025, in Austin, Texas.Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Troy Kotsur attends Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” New York premiere at SVA Theatre on Sept. 16, 2025, in New York City.Kristin Callahan/Shutterstock
“The Mandalorian” star added that, thankfully, he’s never been involved with shady characters in real life, unlike his character in the series.
“Fortunately, no,” he signed. “I haven’t been in trouble with bookies. I’m grateful to my wife for keeping me under control.”
All eight episodes of “Black Rabbit” are currently available to stream on Netflix.
