Marlee Beth Matlin (born August 24, 1965) is an American actress, author, and activist. She (1986) and to date is the only deaf performer to have won an Academy Award. Her work in film and television has resulted in a Golden Globe award, with two additional nominations, and four Emmy nominations. Deaf since she was 18 months old, due to illness and high fevers, she is also a prominent member of the National Association of the Deaf. Her longtime interpreter is Jack Jason.

Career Highlights & Awards:

1986 – Won the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Children of a Lesser God”

2014 – Won the Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards for disability advocacy

2016 – Received the 2016 Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion. (A $120,000 prize given annually by the Jay Ruderman of the Ruderman Family Foundation to one individual whose work excels at promoting disability inclusion)