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Who is Rorri Burton? ASL interpreter goes viral for her 'masterclass' during Hurricane Hilary press conference

Rorri Burton has been showered with appreciation for her expressive interpretations

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: American Sign Language interpreter Rorri Burton has gone viral after her stint during Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass’s press conference on Hurricane Hilary and Ojai earthquake.

During Mayor Bass' conference, Burton was found providing the sign language interpretation of the words.

Many viewers also recalled her from her sign language interpretations during the Covid briefings of Mayor Gil Garcetti.

Overview of Rorri Burton

Rorri Burton is an ASL interpreter who works as an independent contractor. She is a trilingual ASL interpreter who provides both paid professional and volunteer interpretation.

Per her LinkedIn profile, she is the founder of Pro Bono ASL, a group of deaf and hard of hearing. Burton has also written in her profile, “BIPOC, LGBTQIA+.”

Rorri Burton and ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’

Burton also gained fame during her appearance as a contestant in the 2020-21 US revival season of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’

She participated on the November 15, 2020 episode and won $125,000.

Rorri Burton and Hollywood Awards

Burton's ASL interpretation is not only limited to the news segment, but also in the entertainment segment. She has worked as the ASL interpreter of the 27th Annual Critics' Choice Awards (2022), 80th Golden Globe Awards (2023) and the 28th Annual Critics' Choice Awards (2023).

Why is Rorri Burton famous?

The netizens are loving the sign language expert for her expressive interpretations and exuberant expressions.

One user praised her by saying, "Rorri Burton - she is a picture perfect interpreter. Fast, clear and expressive. It’s like a master class in ASL."

"When will the news producers understand that sign language is visual; to leave out the interpreter is actually cruel. It omits life-saving information. PROPS to this ASL interpreter for making her own place!" quipped another.

"She is very good. Expressive, keeps up with concepts/words. Beautiful ASL. Looks like they hv a good team. Well done. Thanks for sharing," praised the third.

Someone else chimed in, "She did a great job not only interpreting but moving with the camera and staying in view. The facial expressions are perfect - she’s an awesome signer."

Another netizen recalled her from the Covid days, saying, "She did the ASL interpretation during Covid briefings too."

Defending Burton's emotive facial expressions, a social media user said, "My Aunt and Uncle spoke sign language and while it's entertaining for us, believe it or not those facial expressions are part of conveying the urgency of the message. I don't think she's trying to be funny. But, I get it, it's kinda funny."