When I was 13, I told Henry Winkler I wanted to act. He said, Do it and don't let anyone stand in your way. His validation just made it all the more true. I haven't stopped thanking him since.

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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.