Sue Thomas: FBEye is a groundbreaking, original drama inspired by the true story of Sue Thomas, who although profoundly deaf from the age of 18 months, overcame significant obstacles to work surveillance for the F.B.I. This coming-of-age, suspenseful drama stars Deanne Bray, a severely deaf actress who like Sue Thomas, was strongly encouraged by her parents to speak and read lips. “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye” is entertainment aimed not just at hearing audiences, but at the more than 28 million deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States (10% of the population).
As portrayed in the series, Thomas (Bray) is a somewhat sheltered young deaf woman who has recently graduated from college and is about to start her first real job – which happens to be with the F.B.I. Disappointed when she is relegated to the tedious task of analyzing fingerprints, Sue doesn’t remain there for long. A new acquaintance, F.B.I. agent Jack Hogan (Yannick Bisson) discovers her unique lip reading and enlists her to join the bureau’s elite surveillance team. Suddenly Sue and her hearing dog, Levi, are “G-men,” caught up in a good deal more action than they ever bargained for. But what they lack in experience, they make up for in spirit and enthusiasm.
“This is a precedent-setting series,” says Dave Alan Johnson, co-creator of “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.” “Never before has there been a television show about the real life experiences and career of a deaf person – who is also portrayed by a deaf actor. When Deanne came in and auditioned against numerous other actresses – both hearing and deaf -- we realized she was an incredibly gifted woman who perfectly embodied the persona of Sue Thomas. .”
“Each week, we’ll present a fast-paced, inside look into high-profile F.B.I. cases based on actual recent and current events,” said Gary R. Johnson, series co-creator. “Corporate scandal, diplomatic immunity, abuses of power and terrorist activity are just some other areas we’ll explore. But the show is about more than that. It’s about the courage, perseverance and humor of Sue Thomas. It will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, but will also make you laugh and cry.”
“Sue Thomas’s story is one I deeply understand because like Sue, I’m deaf,” says Bray. “My hope is that this show will not only entertain – I’m sure it will do that- but that it can also be a bridge between different worlds, that it can help everyone understand that we are all more alike than we are different.”
“Finally, audiences will be able to gain a deeper understanding and respect for the individuals who walk the path of silence,” said Sue Thomas, now a motivational speaker and author, who serves as a consultant on the show.
In addition to Bray, the cast of “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye” features Yannick Bisson, Rick Peters, Mark Gomes, Tara Samuel, Ted Atherton, Enuka Okuma and Jesse as Sue’s golden retriever, Levi.
“Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye” is created by Dave Alan Johnson and Gary R. Johnson, co-creators of PAX’s top-rated series, “Doc.” Marilyn Stonehouse produces for Pebblehut Productions.
"Levi was my very first service dog and he taught me 'how to hear'. He was a Certified Hearing Dog for the deaf. Levi gave me the freedom of living independently and gave back the confidence that deafness stole from me. It
is in his memory that I began The Levi Foundation. The Levi Foundation has a special purpose... learn more
Sue Thomas with Hearing Dog and
Actress Deanne Bray with Actor-Dog
Sue Thomas Productions
MS Ambassador
Fundraiser
No Dummy
Woman of Faith
Sue's Store
Read the story of Operation Silent Night