Marlee Matlin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 14, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Marlee Matlin.

Marlee Matlin is a celebrated American actress, activist, and author, notable for her advocacy for deaf individuals and representation of deaf characters. Deaf since infancy, she achieved widespread recognition with her Academy Award-winning debut in "Children of a Lesser God." Matlin has consistently championed deaf representation in Hollywood, advocating for accessibility and inclusion. Her career includes numerous film and television roles, earning her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009, solidifying her impact on entertainment and activism.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Acting Debut and Academy Award Win

In 1986, Marlee Matlin made her acting debut in "Children of a Lesser God", and she won the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

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1986: Film Debut in Children of a Lesser God

In 1986, Marlee Matlin made her film debut in "Children of a Lesser God" after being discovered by Henry Winkler. She won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for her performance.

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1987: Honorary Doctorate from Gallaudet University

In 1987, Marlee Matlin received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Gallaudet University.

1988: Samuel S. Beard Award

In 1988, Marlee Matlin received the Samuel S. Beard Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under from the Jefferson Awards.

1991: Bernard Bragg Young Artists Achievement Award

In 1991, Marlee Matlin received the Bernard Bragg Young Artists Achievement Award at the Annual International Creative Arts Festival sponsored by the Center on Deafness in Chicago.

1991: Nomination for Golden Globe for Reasonable Doubts

In 1991, Marlee Matlin was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the television series "Reasonable Doubts".

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1991: Nominated for Golden Globe

In 1991, Marlee Matlin was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role in "Reasonable Doubts".

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1993: Emmy Nomination for Seinfeld and Picket Fences

In 1993, Marlee Matlin received a nomination for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her guest role in "Seinfeld" and received another nomination for her role in "Picket Fences".

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1993: Emmy Nomination for Picket Fences

In 1993, Marlee Matlin was nominated for an Emmy Award for a guest appearance in "Picket Fences".

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1994: Appointment to Corporation for National and Community Service

In 1994, Marlee Matlin was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, serving as chair of National Volunteer Week.

2000: Emmy Nomination for The Practice

In 2000, Marlee Matlin received an Emmy nomination for her guest appearance in "The Practice".

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2004: Emmy Nomination for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

In 2004, Marlee Matlin received an Emmy nomination for her guest appearance in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".

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May 6, 2009: Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On May 6, 2009, Marlee Matlin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2009: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2009, Marlee Matlin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.

April 3, 2011: Fundraising record on The Celebrity Apprentice

On April 3, 2011, during an episode of The Celebrity Apprentice, Marlee Matlin raised $986,000 for charity, a record for a single event on television at the time. Donald Trump then donated an additional $14,000.

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2014: Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

In 2014, Marlee Matlin won the Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards for disability advocacy.

2016: Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion

In 2016, Marlee Matlin received the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion, a $120,000 prize, for her philanthropic work and disability inclusion advocacy.

2021: Continued Voice Role in Family Guy and Award for CODA

In 2021, Marlee Matlin continued to voice Stella in "Family Guy" and won the Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in "CODA".

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2022: Troy Kotsur's Oscar Win for CODA

In 2022, Troy Kotsur won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in CODA, in which Marlee Matlin also played a supporting role. It marked the first time in 36 years that a deaf actor received an Oscar.