
How Henry Winkler helped Marlee Matlin through a turbulent time in her life
Clip: 10/14/2025 | 4m 12s
Henry Winkler took Marlee Matlin in for two years while she recovered from a turbulent time.
Marlee Matlin was struggling with drug addiction and domestic abuse from her partner at the time, William Hurt. After she completed rehab, her friend Henry Winkler took her in for two years while she continued to recover. “That family took me in as if I were one of their own,” said Matlin. “I’ll never forget that.”
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

How Henry Winkler helped Marlee Matlin through a turbulent time in her life
Clip: 10/14/2025 | 4m 12s
Marlee Matlin was struggling with drug addiction and domestic abuse from her partner at the time, William Hurt. After she completed rehab, her friend Henry Winkler took her in for two years while she continued to recover. “That family took me in as if I were one of their own,” said Matlin. “I’ll never forget that.”
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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A front row seat to the creative process
How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought their creative work to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, singer-songwriter Jewel, author Min Jin Lee, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipMarlee Matlin changed how "CODA" was cast
Clip: 10/14/2025 | 2m 8s | Marlee Matlin refused to allow a hearing actor to play her Deaf husband in the 2021 film “CODA.” (2m 8s)
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
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Preview: 10/14/2025 | 2m 30s | Learn about Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress and champion of the Deaf community. (2m 30s)
Marlee Matlin on her childhood in Illinois
Clip: 10/14/2025 | 2m | Marlee Matlin visits the house she grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois. (2m)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSupport for PBS provided by:
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...