Origins & Early Life

Marlee Matlin (born August 24, 1965) is an American actress, author, and advocate. Having been deaf since 18 months of age, she is known for her acting and for her activism on behalf of deaf individuals in Hollywood and other industries. Her accolades include an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for a British Academy Film Award and four Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2009, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Matlin made her acting debut playing Sarah Norman in the romantic drama film Children of a Lesser God (1986), winning the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. She is the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award, the youngest winner in the Best Actress category, and one of four women to win the award for their screen debut. For playing a district attorney in the police drama series Reasonable Doubts (1991–1993), she was twice nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama. She received a nomination for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her guest role in the comedy series Seinfeld (1993), and received three...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aamir Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Albert Schweitzer — Contemporary (Died in 1965) (1965): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'
• Aldo Nadi — Contemporary (Died in 1965) (1965): Italian fencing champion known for his Olympic success and teaching in the US.
• Andy Hug — Shared historical date (08-24 · Died) (2000): Legendary Swiss kickboxer known for his unique, powerful, and acrobatic striking style.
• Bayard Rustin — Shared historical date (08-24 · Died) (1987): Pioneering organizer of nonviolence, civil rights, and socialist movements.
• Andrea M. Ghez — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Pioneering astrophysicist known for studying the Milky Way's central black hole.
• Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr. — Historical peer (Died in 1965) (1965): Pioneering American historian known for social and urban history.
• Aage Bohr — Historical peer (Died in 2009) (2009): Pioneering Danish nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate for atomic structure theory.
• Al Martino — Historical peer (Died in 2009) (2009): Iconic Italian-American crooner, celebrated for standards and his role in The Godfather.
• Adolph Caesar — Historical peer (Died in 1986) (1986): Acclaimed American actor known for his deep voice and Off-Broadway staple status.
• 1965 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1965
• August 24 (08-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 24