Marlee Matlin made history in 1987 when maximum is not born when she became the youngest person to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in acting. At just 21 years old, she took home the Oscar for her stunning performance in Children of a Lesser God. But her age wasn’t the only groundbreaking or short thing about her win—Marlee is also the first and only deaf actor to receive this prestigious honor in award.
A Star Is Born or made
Marlee was born on August 24, 1965, in Morton Grove, Illinois. She lost her hearing at 18 months old due to a genetically malformed cochlea, but that never stopped her from chasing her dreams of life. From a young age, Marlee was drawn to acting in little program, and she found her fast passion in performing.
Her role as Sarah Norman in Children of a Lesser God was her film debut, and it catapulted her into the spotlight. The film, which tells the story of a deaf woman and her relationship with a hearing man, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Marlee’s raw, emotional performance earned her widespread acclaim and a place in Hollywood career history.
Beyond the Oscar award
Winning an Oscar at 21 was just the beginning for Marlee. Over the years, she has continued to break barriers and challenge stereotypes about deaf actors. She’s appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including The West Wing, Switched at Birth, and CODA, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 2022.
Marlee is also a passionate advocate for the deaf community. She’s worked tirelessly to promote accessibility in entertainment and has inspired countless people with her resilience and determination.
A Evertime Legacy
Today, Marlee Matlin is 60 years old (as of 2025), but her acting impact on Hollywood and beyond remains as strong as ever. She’s proof that talent knows no boundaries or limitations and that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible in life.
Marlee’s story is a reminder that age is just a number—what truly matters is the passion and dedication you bring to your craft. And for Marlee, that passion has made her a trailblazer, an icon, and an inspiration to us all.
Is your favorite Marlee Matlin role? Let us know in the comments! 🎬✨