Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore

Learn about the life and career of 4-time Emmy nominee Marlee Matlin as she shares her story in her native American Sign Language. Known for roles in The West Wing and CODA, at 21 years old, Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar.

Marlee Matlin visits the house she grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois and shares stories from her childhood, including how she became the only Deaf person in her family at 18 months old.

Marlee Matlin refused to allow a hearing actor to play her Deaf husband in the Academy Award-winning 2021 film “CODA,” and for the first time in her career, warned that she would exit the film if a Deaf actor wasn’t cast. Troy Kotsur ended up with the role that would eventually win him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Marlee Matlin was struggling with drug addiction and domestic abuse from her partner at the time, William Hurt. After she completed rehab, her friend Henry Winkler took her in for two years while she continued to recover. “That family took me in as if I were one of their own,” said Matlin. “I’ll never forget that.”