The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Marlee Matlin
Entertainment • Actor

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin is an American actress, author, and activist known for becoming the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Marlee Matlin is an American actress, author, and activist. She became the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award for her film debut in *Children of a Lesser God* in 1987. She later appeared in film and television, including *The West Wing* and *CODA*.

Early life

Matlin was born in Morton Grove, Illinois, and became Deaf at about 18 months old. She later pursued performing arts and developed a career in acting.

Breakthrough and awards

Her debut film performance in *Children of a Lesser God* won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987. She was also the youngest Best Actress Oscar winner at the time.

Later acting career

Matlin went on to work in film and television, including notable roles in *The West Wing*, *Switched at Birth*, and *CODA*. Her television work includes guest appearances that drew major award nominations.

Advocacy and writing

Matlin has been active in advocacy for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and for accessibility, including closed captioning. She has also written books, including an autobiography.

Key facts

  • Born in Morton Grove, Illinois, in 1965.
  • Won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her film debut in *Children of a Lesser God*.
  • She was the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award.
  • Has appeared in film and television, including *The West Wing* and *CODA*.
  • Has also worked as an author and disability-rights advocate.
🍁
Canadian context

Matlin is relevant to Canadian readers through her international prominence as a Deaf performer and advocate for accessibility, including work that aligns with broader closed-captioning and inclusion efforts in North American media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Marlee Matlin?
She is an American actress, author, and activist best known for being the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award.
What did Marlee Matlin win an Oscar for?
She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in *Children of a Lesser God*.
When was Marlee Matlin born?
She was born on August 24, 1965.
Where is Marlee Matlin from?
She was born in Morton Grove, Illinois, in the United States.
What other major projects is she known for?
She is known for film and television roles including *The West Wing* and *CODA*.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marlee-Matlin
    Supports: Birth date and place; identification as an American actress and activist; first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award.
  2. PBS — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/marlee-matlin-biography-and-career-timeline/36816/
    Supports: Biography, Deaf identity, Oscar win, and later career highlights including advocacy.
  3. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/m/ma-mn/marlee-matlin/
    Supports: Oscar win, youngest Best Actress recipient at the time, later roles, advocacy, and authorship.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/marlee-matlin
    Supports: Early life, Deafness, acting career, and Oscar win.