
Marlee 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.”
Marlee Matlin refused to allow a hearing actor to play her Deaf husband in the Academy Award-winning 2021 film “CODA,” and for the first time in her career, warned that she would exit the film if a Deaf actor wasn’t cast. Troy Kotsur ended up with the role that would eventually win him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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...

Marlee 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 Academy Award-winning 2021 film “CODA,” and for the first time in her career, warned that she would exit the film if a Deaf actor wasn’t cast. Troy Kotsur ended up with the role that would eventually win him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch American Masters
American Masters is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now

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 sponsorshipHow 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. (4m 12s)
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Video has Closed Captions
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...