Marlee Matlin: 20 Things you didn't know about the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award

Updated on April 24, 2024

Source: Getty Images

Marlee Matlin, an American actress and activist, is well-known for her contributions to the entertainment industry and advocacy work. She is best known for her advocacy for people with hearing impairments and disabilities.

Marlin faced a devastating setback when she was a baby. She lost her ability to hear when she was 18 months old as she suffered an illness and high fever that caused her to lose her hearing permanently. But despite the hardship she faced, she never let her hearing loss stop her from chasing her dream of acting. This dedication paid off in a big way when, at the young age of 21, she became the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Source: The Academy Awards

There are so many exciting things to know about Marlee’s life; here are 20 Things you didn’t know about the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award.

Marlee Matlin was born in Morton Grove, Chicago, on August 24, 1965. However, an illness at the young age of 18 months left her with permanent hearing loss due to a genetically malformed cochlea.

The illness completely took away her hearing in her right ear. It significantly affected her hearing to about 8 percent in her left ear. While the exact cause remained unknown, a doctor later confirmed that it could be a genetic condition.

Marlee’s parents were the leading force behind fighting for her when she became deaf as a baby. Doctors told them to send her to special needs school, but they couldn’t imagine being apart from her. Instead, they kept her at home and found programs nearby to help children with hearing loss. Marlee Matlin discovered the importance of community and connection early on. She joined the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) at the young age of 11 and, to this day, remains a dedicated supporter.

Source: iMedicalapps

She created an app called Marlee Signs, which helps people learn basic American Sign Language (ASL) using videos of Marlee herself demonstrating the signs. This makes learning ASL fun and accessible for millions of users.

1987, Marlee Matlin won the Academy Award for Best Actress at 21. The movie “Children of a Lesser God” features a talented deaf girl who, despite her disability, pursued a career in acting and was discovered by the film’s producers at 19. This was her first movie role, and she portrayed the character with beauty and depth despite the character’s bitterness.

She was also among the few actresses ever to win the leading lady Oscar for her first movie role.

In 1994, President Clinton chose Marlee Matlin to be part of a special group called the Corporation for National Service. This group helps people serve their communities.

Later, in 2010, President Obama invited her to the White House to celebrate the big anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This important law helps people with disabilities.

Throughout her career, Matlin has been an ardent supporter of authentic casting, and her unrelenting commitment to promoting accurate portrayal of deaf individuals in media is truly admirable. Matlin has been a fierce advocate for authentic casting throughout her career; her passion for accurately representing deaf people in media is unwavering. As a national ambassador, Marlee Matlin has dedicated her time and voice to the Starkey Hearing Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to bring the gift of hearing to individuals worldwide, and Matlin’s involvement highlights her commitment to helping others.

Marlee Matlin with the Hollywood Walk of Fame Award

Source: Hall of Fame.

Marlee Matlin was inducted into the Deaf Hall of Fame in 2009. This recognition celebrates her groundbreaking achievements as the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award.

Beyond acting and championing disability rights, Marlee Matlin discovered a writing talent. In 2002, she published her first book, “Deaf Child Crossing,” loosely based on her childhood experiences. She continued to write, creating a sequel, “Nobody’s Perfect,” and even a New York Times bestseller, her autobiography, “I’ll Scream Later.

Malee Martin is also known for her role in the film “CODA.” “CODA” is a 2021 American coming-of-age drama directed by Sian Heder. The film gained critical acclaim for its performances, storytelling, and representation of Deaf culture.

CODA,” directed by Sian Heder, has received widespread acclaim and numerous nominations and awards. Among its nominations are three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Troy Kotsur), and Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as recognition at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. The film has won several accolades, and These accolades highlight the film’s success and recognition within the industry.

Despite her impaired hearing, she attended a regular school with other kids, learned to lip-read, and found ways to connect with everyone. This toughness and ability to adjust helped her succeed in both her life and career.

Her captivating presence goes beyond her talent. Her grace, beauty, and undeniable charm earned her a well-deserved spot on People magazine’s coveted list of the 50 Most Beautiful People. This recognition adds another layer to her remarkable journey, solidifying her status as an influential and inspiring figure.

Marlee Matlin was elected to the Academy’s board of governors in 2022, joining the organization that presents the annual Oscars. She joined a new group of governors who began their terms during the 2022-2023 season. Marlee Matlin’s achievements in both entertainment and advocacy have been celebrated by several universities, awarding her honorary degrees in recognition of her contributions. These include prestigious institutions like Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

She has four children with her husband, police officer Kevin Grandalski, whom she married in 1993 and is now expecting her first grandchild.

Matlin’s advocacy extends beyond her personal achievements. She fights for fairer representation of the hearing-impaired community in movies and television and actively supports various charities and non-profit foundations.

Marlee Matlin’s unique talents and contributions to the entertainment world haven’t gone unnoticed! She’s been showered with awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. On top of that, different groups have honoured her incredible work advocating for others.

Matlin continues to act in both film and television, portraying diverse characters that showcase her talent and versatility. She remains the only deaf performer ever to win an Academy Award, marking a nearly five-decade-long career in the entertainment industry.