Unveiling the Journey of Marlee Matlin: From Silence to Stardom
The documentary Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, part of the American Masters series, offers a compelling and heartfelt exploration of the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most inspiring figures. Currently making its rounds in theaters before premiering on PBS, the film is filled with unexpected revelations-most notably, the enduring friendship between Matlin and Henry Winkler, which spans decades.
A Friendship Forged in Childhood and Adulthood
Their bond traces back to their early years: Matlin, then just 12, was performing in a Chicago-based children’s theater dedicated to deaf audiences, while Winkler was gaining fame as Fonzie on Happy Days. Over time, their friendship deepened, especially during a pivotal period after Matlin’s historic Oscar victory for Children of a Lesser God in 1986. At only 21, she became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress award, a record that still stands today. During this time, Winkler and his wife welcomed Matlin into their home for two years, and she later married her husband in Winkler’s backyard-an intimate chapter in her life story.
In recent footage from Shoshannah Stern’s documentary, viewers witness warm exchanges between the two friends, with Winkler recalling how Matlin’s mother once asked him to dissuade her daughter from pursuing acting. His response? “You’ve got the wrong guy,” he says, emphasizing his unwavering support. It’s a testament to the genuine, lifelong friendship that has helped shape Matlin’s journey.
Overcoming Misconceptions and Breaking Barriers
The film’s most poignant moments delve into the challenges Matlin faced as the first deaf actor to win an Oscar. The mid-1980s media landscape was riddled with misconceptions and insensitivity. Television pundits and talk show hosts often discussed deafness in a patronizing manner, questioning her “struggles” and dismissing her win as a sentimental gesture. Rex Reed’s comment-“[Academy voters] love to see someone who’s handicapped win”-illustrates the condescending attitudes prevalent at the time.
Today, perceptions have shifted significantly, thanks in part to Matlin’s visibility and advocacy. Not Alone Anymore is notable for its unique perspective: directed by Shoshannah Stern, who is deaf herself, and featuring many interviewees who communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). These include childhood friends, trailblazing deaf actors like Lauren Ridloff-who recently starred as a Marvel superhero-and Matlin’s trusted interpreter, Jack Jason. Their contributions highlight the ongoing evolution of representation and understanding within the entertainment industry.
Personal Triumphs and Challenges
Matlin’s candid reflections, conveyed through signing and spoken words, reveal a woman who has faced and overcome profound adversity. She discusses her experiences with domestic abuse, which she previously detailed in her 2009 autobiography I’ll Scream Later. Stern’s documentary offers fresh insights into these painful episodes, including Matlin’s account of her relationship with William Hurt, her co-star and former boyfriend. She recalls how, at 19, she was unaware of what domestic abuse entailed, compounded by the “language deprivation” often experienced by deaf individuals, which can hinder understanding and communication.
Footage of her accepting the Oscar from Hurt takes on a darker tone as she admits her fears during that moment-an instinctual sense that Hurt was unhappy. Hurt later issued an apology following the publication of her autobiography, though Matlin has expressed skepticism about its sincerity during a The View appearance.
Navigating Identity and Representation
Throughout her career, Matlin has grappled with the pressures of being “the first” in many respects. She recounts how Hollywood often assumed she was the only deaf actor in the industry, a misconception that overlooked the broader deaf community. Her decision to speak rather than sign at the Oscars the year after her win sparked controversy within the deaf activist circles, who felt she was not representing the community’s preferred mode of communication. Matlin emphasizes her independence, stating, “I’m not the president of the deaf community-I can’t be,” acknowledging her role as an individual artist rather than a spokesperson.
A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy
Not Alone Anymore covers a broad spectrum of Matlin’s life-from her rebellious youth and Hollywood’s well-meaning but often misguided portrayals of deafness (think Jane Wyman in Johnny Belinda or Patty Duke in The Miracle Worker) to her active participation in pivotal moments like the 1988 “Deaf President Now” protests at Gallaudet University. Matlin’s support for deaf rights and her efforts to challenge industry stereotypes have cemented her as a trailblazer.
The documentary also highlights her extensive work in television, where she has portrayed diverse characters-ranging from a lip-reading assistant on Seinfeld (earning Emmy nominations) to a political strategist on The West Wing, and a deaf sculptor on The L Word. Her performances have consistently demonstrated her versatility and dedication.
Celebrating Achievements and Continuing the Fight
A significant milestone came with her role in CODA (2021), where she played the mother of a hearing daughter. Although she was not nominated for an Oscar, her deaf co-star Troy Kotsur’s win was a historic moment, symbolizing progress and validation. Matlin’s insistence that her character’s husband be played by a deaf actor underscored her commitment to authentic representation. On Oscar night, as she signed and her interpreter fought back tears, the message was clear: after 35 years, she finally felt “not alone anymore.” The applause for Kotsur’s victory was a collective acknowledgment of how far the industry has come-and how much further it can go.
Final Reflections
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is a comprehensive tribute to resilience, advocacy, and the transformative power of perseverance. With a runtime of 97 minutes, the film is currently screening at venues like the AFI Silver Theatre, Avalon Theatre, Cinema Arts Theatre, and Greenbelt Cinema. It contains brief language, discussions of domestic violence, and sexual abuse, offering an honest portrayal of the obstacles Matlin has faced.
As a testament to her enduring influence, Matlin’s career continues to inspire new generations of deaf actors and advocates. Her story is a reminder that with determination and support, barriers can be broken, and voices-whether spoken or signed-can be heard loud and clear.
Ty Burr is the author of Ty Burr’s Watch List, a movie recommendation newsletter available at tyburrswatchlist.com.