Marlee Matlin, the trailblazing actress who broke barriers as the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award, is opening up like never before in a compelling new documentary. Titled “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” the film delves into the remarkable journey of a true Hollywood icon, exploring both the triumphs and the deep personal challenges she has faced.
A Legacy of Firsts and Ongoing Challenges
At just 21, Marlee Matlin made history by winning the Best Actress Oscar for her powerful debut role in the 1986 film “Children of a Lesser God.” Playing a smart and resilient custodian, her performance captivated audiences and critics alike. However, this monumental achievement, while thrusting her into the spotlight, did not immediately dismantle the systemic barriers faced by Deaf actors in Hollywood. Opportunities remained limited, and it would be 35 years before another Deaf performer received an Oscar, a milestone achieved by her “CODA” co-star, Troy Kotsur, in 2021. This significant gap underscores the isolation Matlin experienced as a pioneer.
Beyond the Spotlight: Facing Personal Struggles
The documentary pulls back the curtain on the personal battles Marlee Matlin has navigated throughout her life and career. It reveals her past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, offering a candid look at the difficulties behind the public persona. The film also addresses her experience in an abusive relationship with her “Children of a Lesser God” co-star, William Hurt, who passed away in 2022. Matlin first wrote about the relationship in her 2009 memoir, prompting a statement from Hurt in which he apologized for any pain he caused. By sharing these difficult truths, Matlin provides a fuller picture of the resilience required to survive and thrive in a demanding industry.
Championing Deaf Representation and Accessibility
Beyond her acting roles, Marlee Matlin has dedicated herself to fierce advocacy for the Deaf community. She has consistently pushed for greater accessibility and authentic representation in mainstream media. Her work highlights the importance of including Deaf voices and perspectives both in front of and behind the camera.
This commitment was central to the creation of “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore.” Matlin insisted on hiring a Deaf, female director, selecting actress Shoshannah Stern for the role. This decision profoundly shaped the film’s perspective and style.
Telling Her Story, Her Way
Directed by Shoshannah Stern, the documentary offers a unique viewing experience that centers the Deaf perspective. Notably, the film is not built around sound; there are no voice-overs, only captions for the conversations conducted in American Sign Language (ASL).
Stern explained that the project was designed to show viewers how Marlee Matlin experiences the world and to challenge conventional filmmaking norms. “I want to make people challenge their assumptions of who should be centered in stories and how we see the world,” Stern stated. She emphasized that achieving greater inclusivity requires those in positions of power within Hollywood to embrace different ways of storytelling and to greenlight projects that authentically feature diverse experiences.
“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” serves as a powerful testament to Matlin’s enduring spirit, her significant contributions to film, and her unwavering dedication to ensuring that stories like hers are not only told, but told on their own terms.
