The Native American actress, who stars opposite Jeremy Renner in the upcoming Disney+ series, overcame deafness and a right lower leg amputation on her journey to success.

Just a few years ago, Alaqua Cox was working at an Amazon center, figuring out what she wanted in life. Acting was not on her radar.

“I had no acting experience,” says Cox, 24, who is featured in PEOPLE’s 2021 Ones to Watch package in this week’s issue. “I was only involved in one school play in high school, but I was a background actor.”

Then, some friends spotted a casting notice for a role in Disney+’s upcoming...