There are few names in Hollywood that carry the same weight in both entertainment and advocacy as Marlee Matlin. Tonight, PBS premieres Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore as part of its American Masters series, and for fans of film, television, and authentic representation, this one is more than a documentary—it’s a powerful moment of reflection and recognition.
The film explores the life and career of Matlin, who made history in 1987 when she became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for Children of a Lesser God. That moment didn’t just mark a cinematic milestone—it opened the door for the Deaf community to be seen and heard in a way the entertainment industry had long resisted. Overnight, Matlin became a household name and, for many Americans, the first Deaf person they had ever seen on screen.
What makes this documentary especially meaningful is its direction by fellow Deaf actress, writer, and now director Shoshannah Stern. Stern’s own creative path—from This Close to Supernatural and The Last of Us—was deeply inspired by Matlin. Through Stern’s direction, the documentary becomes more than biography; it becomes a conversation between two Deaf women who have each shaped and expanded how Deaf stories are told.
The film draws from nearly four decades of behind-the-scenes footage captured by Matlin’s longtime interpreter and producing partner, Jack Jason. This unprecedented access offers fans a rare, intimate look into Matlin’s professional and personal journey—from the sets of The West Wing and Seinfeld to her groundbreaking work as a director. It also addresses the challenges she faced, including her complex relationship with actor William Hurt, her fight for equitable casting, and her leadership in pushing Hollywood toward greater accessibility and authentic representation.
As a Deaf advocate and movie fan, this documentary feels both personal and historic. Marlee’s success has never been just about her; it’s been about changing perceptions—making space for Deaf talent, Deaf voices, and Deaf stories. And having a Deaf director like Stern tell this story in ASL adds an authenticity that simply hasn’t been present in most mainstream portrayals of Deaf lives.
The film also features appearances and interviews from an impressive roster of collaborators and friends—Henry Winkler, Aaron Sorkin, Randa Haines, Sian Heder, Lauren Ridloff, and John Maucere—each offering insight into how Marlee’s influence has echoed across generations of performers and creators.
As American Masters Executive Producer Michael Kantor put it, Matlin’s story “will resonate with both Deaf and hearing audiences across the country.” For many in the Deaf community, this premiere isn’t just another documentary night—it’s a shared moment of pride, validation, and progress.
Marlee Matlin’s message, reflected in Stern’s title, is clear: no one should feel “alone anymore.” Thanks to pioneers like Matlin—and storytellers like Stern—the screen is finally opening wider to voices that deserve to be seen and celebrated.
