Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin is a trailblazer in more ways than one, breaking barriers for Deaf performers and redefining what inclusion and representation look like in Hollywood. Her love for acting began during her childhood in Illinois, when she first watched “The Wizard of Oz,” and it deepened in her teens when she discovered the freedom the stage offered her. Throughout her four-decade career, Matlin has delivered a series of stirring performances. Here are ten of her most memorable film and television roles.
Marlee Matlin in “Children of a Lesser God” (1987).
1. “Children of a Lesser God” (1986)
Matlin’s breakout performance came in the film “Children of a Lesser God,” based on the stage play by Mark Medoff. At the time, she was performing a supporting role in a Chicago production of the play when she learned that a film adaptation was in development. Determined to land the starring role of Sarah Norman, a student-turned-employee at a school for the Deaf, Matlin put everything she had into her audition and got the part.
William Hurt was cast as James Leeds, a hearing speech teacher who falls in love with Sarah. While their characters clash over differing views on speech and Deaf identity on the screen, a real-life relationship also developed between Matlin and Hurt. Although Matlin later revealed the relationship was emotionally and physically abusive, she acknowledged that Hurt, a committed method actor, helped her connect to her character on a deeper level.
The film was a monumental moment for Deaf representation in Hollywood. Actress Lauren Ridloff, who is also Deaf, recalled that her parents took her to see the film as a child because they wanted her to see herself represented on the big screen. Matlin’s performance made history, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress and making her both the youngest winner in that category at the time and the first Deaf actor to ever receive an Oscar.
2. “Reasonable Doubts” (1991–1993)
In 1991, Matlin was cast in a lead role opposite Mark Harmon in the NBC police drama “Reasonable Doubts.” She portrayed Assistant District Attorney Tess Kaufman, a dedicated prosecutor who is partnered with a detective (played by Harmon) known for his rough demeanor but ability to communicate using sign language. Though the series ran for only two seasons, it earned Matlin a Golden Globe nomination.
The show also held a personal significance for Matlin. While preparing for the role, she met Kevin Grandalski, a police officer she consulted for research, and the two ended up getting married in 1993. They remain together today and have four children.
3. “Picket Fences” (1993–1996)
The CBS family drama “Picket Fences,” created by David E. Kelley, debuted in 1992. Set in the fictional town of Rome, Wisconsin, the series followed residents as they dealt with a variety of unusual events. The show was considered groundbreaking for its time because it tackled controversial topics rarely addressed on network television in the early 1990s.
Matlin joined the series in its second season as guest character Laurie Bey, a Deaf bank robber who holds hostages, including the town sheriff. Her performance led to a recurring role, and she became a regular cast member by season three. In a surprising twist, Laurie was later elected mayor of Rome. For her portrayal, Matlin earned a Primetime Emmy nomination.
4. “Hear No Evil” (1993)
In the thriller movie “Hear No Evil,” directed by Robert Greenwald, Matlin starred alongside D.B. Sweeney and Martin Sheen. Matlin played Jillian Shanahan, a Deaf athletic trainer who unknowingly becomes entangled in a dangerous chase after one of her clients hides a rare stolen coin inside her pager.
Although the film received mixed reviews, Matlin was praised for her commitment to her role. Despite the weak script, she brought depth and strength to a character that could have simply been one-dimensional. For Matlin, the experience highlighted how rare strong roles for Deaf actors still were in Hollywood, where Deaf characters were often portrayed as victims rather than empowered individuals.
5. “Seinfeld” (1993)
Matlin’s appearance on “Seinfeld” came about after a chance encounter with co-creator Larry David at a gym. David was so impressed by Matlin that he created a role specifically for her. She guest-starred in the October 1993 episode “The Lip Reader” as Laura, a deaf tennis lineswoman who dates Jerry. In the episode, Laura uses her lipreading skills to help George (played by Jason Alexander) eavesdrop on a conversation involving his ex-girlfriend.
The storyline blended comedy with clever social commentary, and Matlin appreciated the opportunity to be in on the joke. Reflecting on the role, she noted, “That episode worked well because I was poking fun at myself, as well as the situation, and poking fun at them.” Jerry Seinfeld later told her that “The Lip Reader” ranked among his top ten favorite episodes of the iconic series.
6. “The West Wing” (2000–2006)
Despite her Academy Award win and numerous television credits, Matlin often found that meaningful roles were still difficult to secure. Determined to take on parts that challenged her as an actress, she frequently reached out directly to show creators and writers. One of those was Aaron Sorkin, the acclaimed writer behind NBC’s political drama “The West Wing.”
Sorkin responded to Matlin by creating the character of Joey Lucas, a sharp and confident pollster from California. Matlin debuted in the role during the show’s first season and went on to appear in all seven seasons. Joey Lucas stood out as one of the most notable Deaf characters on network television at the time, offering critical insights to the fictional President Bartlet’s administration and playing key roles in several campaign storylines.
7. “The Practice” (2000)
Created by David E. Kelley, “The Practice” aired on ABC for eight seasons and focused on the professional and personal lives of attorneys at a Boston law firm. In 2000, Matlin guest-starred in the episode “Life Sentence,” portraying Sally Berg, a mother accused of killing the man who had raped and murdered her daughter.
The episode’s most memorable moment pairs Matlin with actress Camryn Manheim, who had previously worked as a sign language interpreter in hospitals. The two perform an entire scene in sign language, without the use of voiceover or interpreters. The emotional intensity of the exchange showcased the power of silent communication and left a strong impression on viewers.
8. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2004–2005)
When listing the most influential crime dramas in television history, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU),” created by Dick Wolf, is consistently at the top. Since its premiere in 1999, the long-running series has attracted numerous notable guest stars, including Matlin.
Matlin appeared in two episodes: “Painless” (2004) and “Parts” (2005), playing Dr. Amy Solwey, a Deaf IVF specialist who is facing a terminal illness while also being charged with murder. Her compelling performance in “Painless” earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
9. “Switched at Birth” (2011–2017)
Created by Lizzy Weiss and aired on ABC Family, “Switched at Birth” was groundbreaking in several respects, most notably for its extensive use of sign language and scenes performed entirely without spoken dialogue. The series presented a unique blend of the Deaf and hearing communities, a dynamic that deeply resonated with Matlin.
Matlin played the recurring role of Melody Bledsoe, a guidance counselor at the fictional Carlton School for the Deaf. Her performance helped normalize deaf perspectives on screen, making “Switched at Birth” a powerful step forward for visibility and inclusion.
Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur in “CODA” (2021).
10. “CODA” (2021)
When writer-director Sian Heder began developing the film “CODA,” she was adamant that Deaf roles be portrayed by Deaf actors. However, when the film’s financiers suggested casting a hearing actor as the husband of Matlin’s character, Matlin made it clear she would leave the project if a Deaf actor was not cast in the role.
Matlin played Jackie Rossi, the mother of Ruby, the only hearing member of a Deaf family, who struggles to save her family’s business while also pursuing her own dreams. Matlin’s husband was portrayed by Troy Kotsur, whose acclaimed performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His casting, which Matlin strongly advocated for, made him the second Deaf actor to win an Oscar, after Matlin herself. “CODA” also earned two more Academy Awards, including Best Picture, reinforcing the importance of authentic representation for the Deaf community in film.
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Marlee Matlin has spent her career breaking barriers as both an admired actress and a passionate activist for the Deaf community. Her powerful performances and steadfast advocacy have reshaped the industry, proving that deaf actors are capable and deserving of bold, complex roles that showcase the full range of their talent.
