Paul Raci is an American actor who has gained recognition for his role as Joe in the 2020 film Sound of Metal, directed by Darius Marder and starring alongside Riz Ahmed and Olivia Cooke.
In addition to his film work, Paul has appeared in numerous television shows, including Baskets opposite Zach Galifinakis, Goliath opposite Billy Bob Thornton, and Parks and Recreation opposite Amy Poehler.
Born and raised in Chicago, Paul was raised by Deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language. He honed his acting skills at local theaters and was a founding member of The Immediate Theater Company, where he was nominated for a Jefferson Award for their production of Children of a Lesser God.
Paul also trained at Second City and has worked with various improvisation companies.
In Los Angeles, he has performed in over 12 productions with the acclaimed Deaf West Theater, including Of Mice and Men, Medea, Equus, A Christmas Carol, and the award-winning production of David Mamet's American Buffalo in ASL.
As a Vietnam veteran, Paul is also a musician and singer with the band Hands of Doom, an ASL rock and Black Sabbath tribute band, where he impresses audiences with his exceptional vocals and artistic ASL.
Paul has been married to Liz Hanley Raci for years and has a daughter, Britta, who is a singer-songwriter with the indie band It's Butter.
