Sullivan's early life was marked by a severe hearing loss, which was diagnosed during his childhood. Despite this challenge, he has developed remarkable skills in speaking and reading lips with the aid of hearing devices. Throughout his work, Sullivan frequently shares his personal experiences and the struggles he faced, offering a unique perspective to his audience.
In an interview with CineMovie about his film "Cucuy," Sullivan reflected on the inspiration behind his story. He explained that the main character, Amelia, is also hearing impaired, and that the film is heavily influenced by his own life.