Nyle DiMarco, 26, is known not only as the only deaf contestant of "America's Next Top Model" cycle 22, which is the final cycle of Tyra Banks' modelling competition. He is also an actor who appeared in "Switched at Birth" before and during "ANTM" cycle 22.
Aside from her modelling career, Banks herself has appeared in several films and TV shows, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "New York Undercover," "MADtv," "Coyote Ugly," "Love & Basketball," "Gossip Girl" and "Life-Size" opposite Lindsay Lohan.
If DiMarco wins "ANTM" cycle 22, he will follow the footsteps of the previous "ANTM" winners who went on to have not only a modelling gigs but also an acting career, such as Eva Marcille, Laura James, Nicole Ariana Fox and Saleisha Stowers.
It appears that DiMarco is the first "ANTM" contestant to have appeared in "Switched at Birth" but he is not the only model from Banks' modelling competition to have played a role in the ABC Family series created by Lizzy Weiss.
Stowers appeared in "Switched at Birth" season 4 episode 9 titled "The Player's Choice," which aired on March 3. The episode was directed by "The Good Wife" actor David Paymer, who is one of the four actors nominated for the Carney Awards to be held on Nov. 1, Backstage reported.
Meanwhile, DiMarco was one of those who were surprised when Banks confirmed that "ANTM" cycle 22 will be the final cycle of the competition.
In a statement obtained by Entertainment Tonight, The CW president Mark Pedowitz said "ANTM" was a successful franchise both for UPN and for The CW. He said the show "became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon."
Pedowitz also thanks Banks and "ANTM" producer Ken Mok "for all their years of success in establishing a show that was not just popular in the U.S., but all across the world."