I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and in spite of what most people might have expected from a young girl growing up deaf, life for me was like one long episode of 'The Brady Bunch.' Despite whatever barriers were in my way, I imagined myself as Marcia Brady skating down the street saying 'hi' to everyone, whether they knew me or not.

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Matlin received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Gallaudet University in 1987. Matlin was nominated for a Golden Globe award for her work as the lead female role in the television series Reasonable Doubts (1991–1993) and was nominated for an Emmy Award for a guest appearance in Picket Fences. S.

For the political professional see Mary Matalin. Deaf since Marlee Matlin was 18 months old Marlee Matlin is also a prominent member of the National Association of the Deaf.