Marlee Matlin: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations in Education and Beyond

Marlee Matlin, born on August 24, 1965, in Morton Grove, Illinois, is an accomplished American actress, author, and activist. Having lost her hearing at eighteen months old due to German Measles, Matlin has become a prominent figure in both the Deaf and hearing communities. She is celebrated for her compelling portrayals of deaf women and her unwavering advocacy for deaf individuals in Hollywood and various other industries.

Early Life and Education

Marlee Matlin was raised in a Reform Jewish household alongside her two older brothers, Eric and Marc. Her family played a crucial role in her upbringing, ensuring she had access to both the hearing and Deaf worlds. She attended mainstream schools, which fostered her integration into the hearing world. Simultaneously, her parents made sure she could navigate the Deaf world, leading her to move constantly between the two. At the age of three, she began seeing a doctor who specialized in oralism. Her speech reading and oral skills would eventually allow her to have roles that required her to speak, as well as give her criticism from the Deaf community.

Matlin's connection to her Jewish faith was also nurtured, as she grew up near a temple started by deaf Jews, which incorporated both deaf and hearing culture. She studied Torah for multiple years with her rabbi and then at her bat mitzvah she spoke the Hebrew sections and signed her d’var Torah.

Early Acting Career

Marlee's journey into acting began at the age of seven when she started performing at the International Center on Deafness and the Arts (ICODA) in Chicago. Her involvement with ICODA led her to meet Henry Winkler, who became her mentor, guiding her through the complexities of Hollywood.

At the age of 8, Matlin played Dorothy from the The Wizard of Oz, put on by the International Center on Deafness and the Arts (ICODA). Her first paid acting job was in a stage production of Children of a Lesser God by the Immediate Theatre Co. in Rogers Park, Illinois, where she earned $300 a week by playing the secondary role of Lydia. While in this stage production, Matlin heard rumors that Paramount Pictures was working on making the stage production into a feature film and would be scouting for actors. A local talent agent sent tapes of the cast to the director, Randa Haines, where she spotted Matlin in the background.

Breakthrough Role in "Children of a Lesser God"

Her breakthrough came with the film adaptation of "Children of a Lesser God" in 1986, where she starred as Sarah Norman alongside William Hurt. This role marked her motion picture debut and earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987, making her the youngest woman to ever receive the award and the first deaf performer to win an Oscar.

Critics lauded Matlin's performance in "Children of a Lesser God." Richard Schickel of Time magazine noted her "unusual talent for concentrating her emotions," while Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised her ability to convey "a passion and almost painful fear of being rejected and hurt."

Continued Success in Film and Television

Following her Oscar win, Matlin continued to work in film and television, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. She starred in "Bridge to Silence" with Lee Remick in 1989, and in 1991, she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the television series "Reasonable Doubts."

Matlin has also made guest appearances on popular shows such as "Seinfeld" and "Picket Fences," earning Emmy Award nominations for her performances. More recently, she was a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars," showcasing her versatility and determination.

In 2011, she took on the recurring character of Melody Bledsoe on "Switched at Birth". Beginning in 2017, Matlin played the recurring role of Harriet on the Syfy television series, The Magicians. On July 31, 2017, it was announced by Deadline that Matlin joined as a series regular in the third season of the ABC thriller Quantico. She starred in the role of ex-FBI agent Jocelyn Turner.

Advocacy and Charitable Work

Beyond her acting career, Marlee Matlin is a dedicated advocate for the Deaf community and various charitable causes. She has been actively involved with organizations such as the National Association of the Deaf, Easter Seals, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, and the Red Cross. Matlin has also testified before the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources in support of the establishment of the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders.

She was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National Service, which oversees Americorps, in 1994. She also served as Honorary Chairperson for National Volunteer Week in 1995.

Recognition and Awards

Marlee Matlin's contributions have been widely recognized throughout her career. In addition to her Academy Award and Golden Globe, she has received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Gallaudet University in 1987. She received the Samuel S. Beard Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards. In 1991, Matlin received the Bernard Bragg Young Artists Achievement Award at the Annual International Creative Arts Festival sponsored by the Center on Deafness in Chicago.

Matlin was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1994 as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service and served as chair of National Volunteer Week.

The "Star Spangled Banner"

Matlin interpreted the "Star Spangled Banner" in American Sign Language at two Super Bowls.

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Controversy and Resilience

Despite her success, Matlin has faced challenges and controversies throughout her career. In 1988, she presented at the Academy Awards and chose to speak the names of the nominees, which drew criticism from some members of the Deaf community. However, Matlin remained resilient, stating that she had "worked long and hard to make sure my deafness didn’t become a barrier to my dreams."

Personal Life

Marlee Matlin met her husband, Kevin Grandalski, on the television set of "Reasonable Doubts." Kevin works as a policeman outside of Los Angeles, and they have four children together.

Legacy and Inspiration

Marlee Matlin's impact extends far beyond her acting career. She has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of their disabilities. Her advocacy work has raised awareness and promoted inclusion for the Deaf community, and her success in Hollywood has paved the way for other deaf actors.

As one student from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind noted, "Matlin's discussion regarding her career as someone who is hearing impaired allowed students to realize that opportunities are not limited for them either."

Marlee Matlin's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and determination. She continues to be a role model for performers, deaf individuals, and women alike, proving that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

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