Marlee Matlin Biography

Fast Facts

• Lost her hearing at 18 months of age, after contracting roseola
• Was 12 when she met Henry Winkler, who encouraged her to pursue her acting dreams
• In 1986, at the age of 21, was the youngest performer to receive a Best Actress Oscar (for Children of a Lesser God)
• Husband Kevin knew how to sign before meeting her; he had taken a course in college to fulfill a language requirement
• In 1993, performed the national anthem in American Sign Language at Super Bowl XXVII as Garth Brooks sang
• Competed on the sixth season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars
• Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009
• Very active in charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and Easter Seals
• Has written books for children, beginning in 2002 with Deaf Child Crossing