Marlee Beth Matlin

When American actress Marlee Beth Matlin won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Children of a Lesser God” (1986), she became the only deaf performer to win the award, and the youngest to date (at age 21).

Her work in film and television has resulted in a Golden Globe award, with two additional nominations, and four Emmy nominations. Deaf since she was 18 months old, she is also a prominent member of the National Association of the Deaf.