When Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar for “Children of a Lesser God,” back in 1986, she didn’t want to be the last. However, it took 35 years for another Deaf actor, Troy Kotsur, to be nominated (and win) for “CODA,” a film Matlin costarred in. In the poignant documentary, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the actress reflects back on her career as well as her personal life, which included episodes of addiction and being abused, but also the joy of having grandchildren.
Matlin was 21 years old when her film debut in “Children of a Lesser God” catapulted her to stardom. She recounts being very inexperienced at the time, and, as the documentary shows, she did not have guidance or language about many things. She received praise from the Deaf community, advocated for closed captions, and helped Gallaudet University hire a Deaf president when a hearing woman was named, much to the anger of students. (Deaf advocate Nyle DiMarco codirected a documentary about this event which is also playing at this year’s Sundance Film Festival). But when Matlin spoke — rather than sign — the names of the nominees at the 1987 Oscars, she faced a backlash from the Deaf community.
