I began acting on stage when I was 7 years old. My first role was as Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' at Chicago's Center on Deafness in Northbrook, Illinois. Marlee Matlin actbegincenter Change image and share on social
What parent has it easy? I just never make the difficulty of it an obstacle. I just do it. Marlee Matlin difficultyeasymake Change image and share on social
I personally have dealt with any adversity in my life with humor. That's why I told America to 'Read my hips!' on 'Dancing With the Stars' or was happy to play along with Jason Alexander and Jerry Seinfeld in the great restaurant scene on 'Seinfeld.' Marlee Matlin adversityalexanderamerica share on social
As a kid, during the school year, my head was often buried in a textbook or Judy Blume book; the words and pictures were the perfect, barrier-free environment for me. Marlee Matlin barrierblumebook Change image and share on social
There is nothing better than being a parent. It is the most challenging job one could ever ask for. I love being a mom and I love being a friend to my children as well. Marlee Matlin challengechildfriend Change image and share on social
There are so many people, deaf or otherwise abled, who are so talented but overlooked or not given a chance to even get their foot in the door. Marlee Matlin abledchancedeaf Change image and share on social
I like to play around with people who don't know me. Often I'm talking to people through my speaker phone, and after 10 minutes or so they say, 'Wait a minute, Marlee, how can you hear me?' They forget I have an interpreter there who is signing to me as they talk. So I say, 'You know what? I can hear on Wednesdays.' Marlee Matlin forgethearinterpreter share on social
Looking back now, thinking about that moment in the lights, with my heart pounding, Oscar in my hand, all I can say is I am grateful and humbled - still to this day. Next to marrying my husband and the birth of my children, it is one of the best days ever. Marlee Matlin backbirthchild share on social
I can hear you and I can watch your mouth move, and then I put together the sounds and the visual image, and I can understand the words as I integrate the two signals. Marlee Matlin hearimageintegrate Change image and share on social
There are many deaf people who couldn't imagine living in a marriage without someone who doesn't speak their language. For me, I believe that hearing or deaf is fine as long as both parties are willing to communicate in each other's language. But if there's no communication, then the marriage, I believe, will be difficult if not doomed. Marlee Matlin communicatecommunicationdeaf share on social