Ten fun facts about Marlee Matlin

1. Inspiration to Many

Marlee Matlin was born on August 24, 1965 in Morton Grove, Illinois. She is an Academy Award-winning actress, author, and activist who is the only deaf performer to win an Oscar for her role in the 1986 film Children of a Lesser God. Matlin was born to Libby and Donald Matlin, and she has three siblings. She was raised in a Reform Jewish household and attended John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Matlin has since gone on to become a successful actress, author, and activist, and she continues to be an inspiration to many.

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2. Deaf Actress Who Won Academy Award for Best Actress

Marlee Matlin is a remarkable actor who has achieved a feat that no other deaf actor has been able to accomplish - winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her award-winning performance was for the 1986 movie ”Children of a Lesser God”, a film that tells the story of a deaf woman and her relationship with a speech teacher. Matlin's portrayal of the lead character was so powerful and moving that it earned her the highest honor in the film industry. Her win was a groundbreaking moment for the deaf community, and it has since inspired many other deaf actors to pursue their dreams.

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3. an acclaimed actress with a remarkable body of work

Marlee Matlin is an acclaimed actress who has achieved remarkable success in both film and television. Her outstanding performances have earned her a Golden Globe Award, as well as two additional Golden Globe nominations and four Emmy nominations. Her impressive body of work has made her one of the most respected and celebrated actresses in the industry.

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4. Advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Marlee Matlin is an Academy Award-winning actress and a passionate advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community. She has been a long-time supporter of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), a non-profit organization that works to protect the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. Matlin has been a vocal advocate for the NAD, speaking out on issues such as access to education, employment, and communication. She has also been a strong supporter of the NAD's mission to promote the use of American Sign Language and to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

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5. Deaf Actress Who Has Successfully Achieved Much

Marlee Matlin has been profoundly deaf since she was just 18 months old. Her right ear has a complete loss of hearing, while her left ear has around 80% loss. This has been a lifelong challenge for her, yet she has managed to become a successful actress, author, and activist. She is the only deaf performer to have won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, for her performance in the 1986 film Children of a Lesser God.

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6. Deaf Actress Who Became an Inspiration

Marlee Matlin was born deaf, and originally believed that her deafness was caused by roseola infantum. However, after further investigation, it was discovered that her deafness was actually due to a genetically malformed cochlea. This condition is known as cochlear malformation, and is a rare disorder that affects the inner ear and can cause hearing loss. Marlee Matlin is an inspiration to many, as she has gone on to become an Academy Award-winning actress, author, and advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

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7. Marlee Matlin Wins SAG Award for Outstanding Acting

Marlee Matlin, the Academy Award-winning actress, has been honored with a special award from the Screen Actors Guild for her outstanding achievements as an actor with a disability. This prestigious award recognizes her commitment to the craft and her inspiring work in the entertainment industry. Matlin, who is deaf, has been a trailblazer in the industry, paving the way for other actors with disabilities to follow in her footsteps. Her work has been an inspiration to many, and this award is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

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8. 7-Year-Old Marlee Matlin Makes History

At the tender age of seven, Marlee Matlin made her stage debut in a production of "The Wizard of Oz" at the International Center on Deafness and the Arts. She took on the iconic role of Dorothy, a character that has been beloved by generations of children and adults alike. This was a remarkable achievement for a young girl who was born deaf, and it was a testament to her talent and determination. Marlee's performance was a powerful reminder that deafness does not have to be a barrier to success.

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9. Marlee Matlin's Deaf Child Crossing and Nobody's Perfect debut novels

Marlee Matlin made her literary debut in 2002 with the publication of her novel, Deaf Child Crossing. Drawing on her own childhood experiences, the book tells the story of a young deaf girl's journey to self-discovery. Matlin followed up her debut with a sequel, Nobody's Perfect, which further explores the themes of identity and acceptance. Both books have been praised for their honest and heartfelt portrayals of the deaf experience.

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10. Marlee Matlin Honored with Hollywood Star

On May 6, 2009, Marlee Matlin was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her place in the entertainment industry. The Academy Award-winning actress, who is deaf, has been a trailblazer in the industry since her breakthrough role in the 1986 film Children of a Lesser God. Matlin's star is located at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard, near the intersection of Hollywood and La Brea.

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