Marlee Matlin is an accomplished American actress, author, and activist who is widely known for her outstanding performances in films and TV shows. She is also known for her unwavering commitment to deaf advocacy and promoting disability rights. This article explores her impressive journey and her estimated net worth of $11 million.
Early Life and Struggles
Marlee Matlin was born on August 24, 1965, in Morton Grove, Illinois, to parents Libby and Donald Matlin. She suffered from a severe illness that left her completely deaf in one ear and with only 20% hearing in the other at just 18 months old. However, this did not deter her from pursuing her dreams.
Growing up, Marlee was raised in a Reformed Jewish household and attended a synagogue for the Deaf. She studied Hebrew phonetically and attended John Hersey High School before attending Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.
Career
Marlee Matlin started acting at a young age, with her first significant role being in the International Center on Deafness and the Arts’ production of “The Wizard of Oz” when she was just seven years old. She continued performing with the group throughout her childhood, and eventually, her talent was discovered by actor Henry Winkler, which led to her film debut in “Children of a Lesser God” in 1986.
Matlin’s performance as Sarah Norman in “Children of a Lesser God” received high praise from critics and earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Actress. She was only 21 at the time, making her the youngest actress to receive the Oscar in the Best Actress category. Marlee has gone on to appear in many other films and television shows, including “My Name is Earl,” “Seinfeld,” “Desperate Housewives,” “The L Word,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The West Wing,” “Reasonable Doubt,” “The Practice,” and “Switched at Birth.”
For her subsequent work in film and television, she has been nominated for four Emmy Awards and has won one Golden Globe Award. In addition to her acting career, Marlee Matlin is an accomplished author and has published several books, including her 2009 autobiography, “I’ll Scream Later.”
Personal Life and Activism
In her autobiography, Matlin revealed that she had struggled with drug abuse and physical abuse by William Hurt during their two-year relationship in the 1980s. She eventually got sober with the help of the Betty Ford Center.
Marlee Matlin is also known for her advocacy work for disability rights and the deaf community. She is actively involved with several charitable organizations such as Easter Seals, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, VSA Arts, and the Red Cross. She has also testified before the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources to show her support for the establishment of the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders.
Marlee Matlin’s Estimated Net Worth
Marlee Matlin has had a long and successful career as an actress and author, with an estimated net worth of $11 million. Her wealth comes from her numerous film and television appearances, as well as her published works.
Conclusion
Marlee Matlin is an inspiration to many, both within and outside of the deaf community. Despite facing many challenges, she has managed to become a successful actress and author, while also advocating for disability rights and promoting deaf culture. Her impressive net worth is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft.