Marlee was born into a hearing family, like roughly 95% of Deaf people. Growing up in Illinois, she faced episodes of isolation and abuse. Marlee became a star at the age of 19 playing the lead in Children of a Lesser God opposite William Hurt. A tumultuous relationship marked by domestic violence and substance abuse ensued. After winning the Academy Award for best actress Marlee channeled her sudden rise to fame into advocacy towards accessibility. She staged a long career in television and insisted deaf actors be cast in 2022's Oscar winning film CODA. For the first time in her own language, Matlin will reflect on her life, and reclaim her story.