I am just back from seeing Marlee Matlin at Unique Lives and Experiences. I knew that she would be inspiring but I had no idea the treat we were in for. I did not expect that she would be as open, honest and charming. The fact that she is deaf in no way defines her, which was good for me, because I would have nothing on which to draw a connection. What she has is amazing courage, charisma and drive. She doesn’t “want” to be like everyone else. She is Marlee. She is passionate, hard working and the genuine article.
At the age of 18 months, Marlee lost her hearing. At the age of 21, she won an Academy Award for her role in “Children of a Lesser God.” Between receiving the Golden Globe and the Academy Award, she checked herself in to the Betty Ford Clinic and overcame the first of her addictions, drugs and alcohol. From there, she closed the door on a series of abusive relationships.
Tonight, she shared a little about her life with William Hurt, her friendship with Henry Winkler and Whoppi Goldberg, her battles with addiction, co-dependency and abuse. She talked about “West Wing”, “Dancing With the Stars”, and “What the Bleep? “ She talked about her 16-year marriage and her four children. She talked about the challenges in her relationships with her parents and yet the love between them.
She shared the stage with her interpretor of 24 years. They share an amazing history and clearly have an extraordinary relationship of mutual respect, honesty and understanding.
